Ten Small Tales

This unusual collection was inspired by folktales told all over the world. While populated with well-known figures--crafty animals, curious children and kindly grandmothers--it is unlikely that any of the stories will be familiar. A fox turns to trickery and abandons his tail, a boy transforms himself into a peanut, a mouse discovers her ability to roll, and an elderly lady outwits a coyote. The stories are amusing, sometimes surprising, and speed ahead on their own internal logic--which is not always straightforward. Often the tales are circular and involve repetitions of both language and actions, resulting in a fluidity that makes these entries perfect for reading aloud. Fitzgerald attractively interprets the tales with serene watercolors in which calm tones capture the fun of the plots while leaving most of the sparkle for the narrative. Solid, reassuring animals (a la Graham Percy) and button-nosed children ground the text in the recognizable. Ages 5-9. (Apr.)