(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root. Oona, cast-off daughter of itinerant tinkers, longs for her own cabin. Because of Oona's lifelong unselfishness, the fairies build her one. Save for a watered-down ending, Hodges's condensed version of Ruth Sawyer's 1941 "The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-Ween" is mainly faithful to the original. Root's watercolors of thatched stone cottages and windswept wintry expanses do justice to a somewhat melancholy holiday story.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Based on an early manuscript of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, this retelling of the legend of King Arthur proceeds from his birth until he is taken away to Avalon at the end of his life. Intricate borders and romantic art illustrate the formally written three chapters. This solid introduction to Arthurian lore will encourage readers to learn more.

Reviewer: Anne St. John