(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Arresting illustrations for this collection of eighteen folktales feature strong, solidly built women with long, flowing, Samson-like tresses--no wispy waifs here. Unfortunately, the stunning art outshines the retellings, which are overly long and lack a keen sense of pacing. But the illustrations, full of humor and energy, will boost readers' interest in the stories. Brief notes provide sources.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2000