The Enchanted Wood: An Original Fairy Tale

Written in plain yet stately prose, this is an original fairy tale about three brothers and their quest. The aging king has promised his throne to the son who can deliver the kingdom from a terrible drought by discovering the Heart of the World, which lies within the dangerous Enchanted Wood. Each of the brothers sets out on the journey, but--in true fairy tale style--only the youngest son is pure enough of heart not to swerve from his noble purpose. Is it love that brings the young prince to the Heart of the World and thus to the end of his kingdom's troubles, or is it at last finding the magical place? The climactic scene where he arrives at his destination is not especially dramatic, yet this engaging story does bring magic, adventure and a hint of romance to young readers. As in Sanderson's The Twelve Dancing Princesses , her characters have oddly contemporary faces. That minor cavil aside, her art is exquisite--restrained in palette, naturalistic in style and rich in tone. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)