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(4)
K-3
Translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick.
Illustrated by
Olivier Tallec.
This retelling is set in a lush tropical land. With the help of a bird of paradise, the tiny, brown-skinned girl ultimately escapes her animal suitors and meets the Spirit of the Flowers: a boy her own size. The writing is generally leaden and difficult to follow, though there are poetic moments. Beautifully expansive and imaginative paintings are lovely to look at.