Tales of Mystery and Magic
Gr 2-5–While some of these seven tales are familiar, such as “The Strange Visitor” from Scotland, others are more obscure, such as the Inuit “The Mightiest Mouse that ever Nibbled Fat.” All of the selections are impeccably told, and practicing storytellers will gleefully add them to their repertoires. Baruzzi's folk-art illustrations, rendered in digital collage, are a perfect complement to the tales. Through careful selection of appropriate details, including dress, landscape, border patterns, etc., the artist gives readers a good sense of the particular tale's country of origin; at the same time, the design is consistent enough so the presentation never feels disjointed. The slightly skewed perspectives add to the sense of mystery and magic that Lupton is trying to convey. Sources notes as well as a delightful CD narrated by the reteller are included. This is a fine addition to the folklore shelf, sure to be popular with children and storytellers.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ. (c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.