(4) K-3 Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. Don't be fooled by the title, which suggests a sequel: this is a straightforward (if wordy) retelling of Washington Irving's classic cautionary tale about the dangers of lazing one's life away (although Kimmel does give Rip the opportunity to redeem himself). The accompanying paintings, with key characters and objects smartly outlined in black, are historically accurate.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. This energetic distillation of the oldest surviving epic poem in English literature tells of the Viking hero Beowulf's defeat of Grendel, a monster who has been ravaging Denmark. Pared to its dramatic essence, the story has enough action to satisfy even today's media-saturated youngsters. Fisher's large, solid figures in a brooding palette are worthy of Kimmel's text.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. Cervantes's famous character comes to vivid life for a young audience in this incident adapted from Spain's most famous novel. Bold illustrations from varied perspectives perfectly capture the drama of Don Quixote's illusions. Appealingly told, the text underscores the wry humor and poignancy inherent in this knight errant's story.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. In this retelling of an Aztec legend, a young married couple, both gods, are banished from the heavens for disobedience and become mortals on earth. When the woman dies, the gods have pity and turn the lovers into mountains in the Valley of Mexico so they can stay together. Acrylic paintings of large figures in Aztec clothing posed against wide skies have a spareness that accentuates this tale's stark drama.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen