(4) K-3 Retold by Janet Schulman. Illustrated by Peter Malone. In detailed paintings a surprisingly mature Peter and his animal friends cleverly capture the threatening wolf, as usual. But in a "kinder" ending, the now-repentant wolf is led back to the forest, coughing up the live duck along the way. Portraits on endpapers nicely pair the animals with the instrument representing them. A narrated CD is included.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Translated by Anthea Bell. Illustrated by Julia Gukova. This picture book version successfully captures both the playfulness and the suspense of the famous musical tale, and the brief story, though carefully fleshed out, still retains its folktale-like spareness. Layers of paint give the illustrations an intriguing three-dimensional appearance. Young readers familiar with the music will happily hum along as the various characters appear or, as in the case of the poor duck, disappear.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander