(4) K-3 Illustrated by Célia Chauffrey. This accessible retelling of E. T. A. Hoffmann's story emphasizes Clara's emotional experience of this magical night and the qualities that make her deserving of it. Textured jewel-toned illustrations are festive and welcoming. Both text and art attempt to correct the tale's frequently stereotypical portrayals of visitors to the Land of Sweets from "faraway lands"--with varying success. Bib.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Célia Chauffrey. This retelling is lightweight but benign. Don removes much of the suspense from the story, and even the ending--which includes the traditional cutting open of the wolf and sewing him up with rocks inside--seems harmless. The tension comes from the unusual perspectives in Chauffrey's striking acrylic paintings with scarlet accents, curvaceous lines, and homey details. A CD of the story is included.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth