Bewitching by Alex Flinn - ADVISABLE

Flinn, Alex  Bewitching. 330 pages.  HarperTeen, 2012. $17.99  Language: PG (1 swear, but other places that imply the word bitch, but don’t say it all the way); Mature Content-PG; Violence-G.  This story is told through a witch named Kendra and how she has been involved in different fairy tales (Princess and the Pea and Hansel and Gretel).  The main story is about a stepsister named Emma and how Lisette (the character of Cinderella) was really the wicked one.  Lisette threatens to take everything from Emma and eventually does-her stepdad and her boyfriend among the most important to Emma, all the while making Emma out to be the mean one.  In the end, good still prevails, and it is because Emma finally realizes who she is.   

I enjoyed this book it was a good coming of age novel, but sometimes all the interjections from Kendra of different fairy tales distracted from the flow of the main story.  MS, HS-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Michael Morpurgo

Morpurgo, Michael The Pied Piper of Hamelin, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark.  Candlewick, 2011.  $17.  PICTURE BOOK.  The people of Hamelin are too stuck up to rid themselves of the rats invading their town, but when the Pied Piper does the job for them, they are too lofty to pay him the one gold coin they promised.  In retaliation, the Piper takes their children – and gives the town one year to clean the town and to change their ways, one year to be worthy of having their children returned to them.  Morpurgo has added depth to the classic fairy tale and Clark’s illustrations are a perfect companion.  Time to replace your old copies!  EL, MS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Hansel and Gretel by Susan Jeffers - ADVISABLE

Jeffers, Susan. Hansel and Gretel. Dutton Children’s Books, 1980. $17.99. Content G-picture book. Hansel and Gretel are abandoned by their father and step-mother in the dense woods, when they fall trap to an evil witch that wants to harm children. This classic fairy tale has been retold with beautiful illustrations. These fine-line pen and ink drawings are finely detailed and bring new life to this old tale. This story is a classic and a great addition to any library. ADVISABLE, HOME, EL, Shauna Reading Teacher.

Rapunzel by John Cech - ESSENTIAL

Cech, John. Rapunzel. Sterling, 2010 $14.95 Content G-PICTURE BOOK.  A classic fairy tale is great to add to any library.  In Cech’s version Rapunzel’s adopted mom (aka the evil witch) catches on to her plans to build a rope ladder and escape the tower she has been living in since birth. She whisks Rapunzel away and brings harm to the prince who is trying to court her. Years of pain and suffering ensue before Rapunzel and the prince have their happy ever after. I liked this version because it seemed to have more plot to it than other versions. An afterword follows the story telling how the story has evolved. EL - ESSENTIAL. Shauna, reading teacher.

Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler - ADVISABLE

Zahler, Diane Princess of the Wild Swans, 224 p. HarperCollins, JANUARY 2012. $17.  The youngest of a flock of children and the only girl, Princess Meriel has lived a life of luxury – and with servants at her beck and call, she has no desire to learn the womanly arts of a fine seam.  Now her father’s evil new bride has turned her older brothers into swans and it is only her sewing, her silence and her bravery, which can save them.  With just a few changes to the original story (the princess is not forced into marriage, nor is she almost burned at the stake), Zahler still weaves a rich story that reads like a classic fairy tale.  Lots of little girls will enjoy reading this.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher