(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer Mazzucco. Collected by the author from an oral source in England, this tale has a predictable structure that makes it easy for children to retell. A witch keeps trying to steal Johnny's buttermilk, but he flees each time after playing a trick on her. The stylized paintings have some amusing details, but the tale ultimately loses tension as the witch invariably forgets something in town and leaves Johnny free to escape.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 By proposing to make a "magical soup" from a single stone, two poor travelers induce the tightfisted inhabitants of a prosperous village to contribute all the ingredients for a delectable stew. The illustrations present a multicultural and an attractive array of characters. However, with its repeated reminders about caring and sharing, this is a rather didactic version of the familiar tale. Recipe included.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.