(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Aljoscha Blau. Eight stories and verse feature "man-cub" Mowgli, raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. The beautiful but spare artwork is muted compared to the colorful setting and language. Wide margins and generous use of white space add appeal. A handsome but sophisticated (many of the illustrations show an older Mowgli sans loincloth, buttocks exposed) visualization of these classic stories.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Translated by Belinda Cooper. Illustrated by Aljoscha Blau. These eleven first-person retellings of tall tales by the legendary eighteenth-century German adventurer are efficient, ebullient, and satisfyingly preposterous (Munchausen rides a seahorse and a cannonball, slingshots himself to a beach, performs music inside a whale's belly, etc.). Blau's surrealistic paintings, several of which recall the work of Salvador Dalí, are strikingly detailed.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Aljoscha Blau. This traditional retelling, based on Joseph Jacobs's version, is given new life through the dark humor and bizarre whimsy of the neon-colored mixed-media illustrations. Children will enjoy poring over the odd details: the bean peddler rides a motorized wheelchair; the giantess wears a mask; two imps live with the giants.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen