CENDRILLON: A CARIBBEAN CINDERELLA
by Daniel San Souci
illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney
Simon & Schuster;ISBN: 068980668X;$16;1998

This most famous of fairy tales is “truthfully” retold by Cendrillon’s godmother. Rich language combined with colorful scratch-board illustrations gracefully depict Caribbean culture.

Suggested for ages 7 - 10
Subjects: Cinderella | Fairy Tales

A HANDFUL OF BEANS: SIX FAIRY TALES
by Jeanne Steig
illustrated by William Steig
HarperCollins;ISBN: 0062051628;$17.95;1998

This collection of six traditional fairy tales is much more than a handful of entertainment, with its droll text and humorous illustrations. Don’t let the small size deceive you—this book packs a big dose of fun.

Suggested for ages 7 - 9
Subjects: Storytellers

TOUCHING THE DISTANCE: NATIVE AMERICAN RIDDLE-POEMS
by Brian Swann
illustrated by Maria Rendon
Harcourt Brace;ISBN: 0152008047;$16;1998

What “looks like a star in the water?” Vivid mixed-media constructions illustrate and reveal the answers to this and 13 more traditional riddles.

Suggested for ages 7 - 10
Subjects: Indians of North America | Nature

MARY ON HORSEBACK: THREE MOUNTAIN STORIES
by Rosemary Wells
illustrated by Peter McCarty
Dial;ISBN: 0803721544;$16.99;1998

Three poignant stories, at once inspirational and informative, present portraits of the indomitable Mary Breckinridge, founder of the Frontier Nursing Service, and of the harsh life of 1920s Appalachia.

Suggested for ages 8 - 10
Subjects: Historical | Kentucky | Nurses

WALTER WICK’S OPTICAL TRICKS
by Walter Wick
Cartwheel;ISBN: 0590222279;$13.95;1998

Even the covers of this fascinating book are lessons in deception. From the creator of the “I Spy” series: 15 impeccably photographed illustrations to baffle the eye and engage the imagination.

Suggested for ages 7 - 10
Subjects: Games | Optical Illusions | Photography

THE SECRET KNOWLEDGE OF GROWN-UPS
by David Wisniewski
Lothrop Lee & Shepard;ISBN: 0688153399;$16;1998

Wisniewski reveals a few of the secrets adults never tell children. Cut-paper illustrations accompany a witty, irreverent text that will make kids wonder just what else they haven’t been told!

Suggested for ages 7 - 10
Subjects: Behavior | Manners | Parents