Ms. Rubinstein's Beauty

In a world where fashion labels are carefully scrutinized and plastic surgery is the subject of reality television, appearances matter. Monteserrat (The Musicians of Bremen) takes this statement to the extreme in a tale about society's obsession with looks. The title character's very profession-a bearded lady at the circus-centers not on a particular talent or skill, but on her appearance. And rather than focusing on her fine features, the crowd's interest lies solely in a perceived flaw: a woman with excessive facial hair. Montserrat magnifies this scrutiny on a detailed spread depicting Ms. Rubinstein at the park, with onlookers staring at her. It takes a man masking his own physical impediment to recognize that there is more to the protagonist than meets the eye, and their exchange is mutual: ""Mr. Pavlov secretly notices Ms. Rubenstein's small, graceful feet. And out of the corner of her eye she sees him sitting and crossing his legs in a very elegant manner."" In a moment of truth, readers' blinders are lifted to see two people appreciating each other simply for who they are. On the final pages, Montserrat astounds readers by unveiling Mr. Pavlov's trunk-shaped nose. For those who feel they may have been duped, perhaps they can understand that there is beauty in truth. Ages 5-up.