The Devils Who Learned to Be Good

An old Russian soldier sets off for home thinking about the merry celebration in his village upon his return. In separate instances, he meets two beggars and because of his kindness to them is rewarded. These rewardsa tattered deck of cards that never loses, an old sack that captures whatever its owner wantshelp the soldier tame the devils who haunt a palace. The soldier puts them to work; he sends them looking for the poor to enrich with food, clothes and a warm home. McCurdy's adaptation of this classic Russian tale is hearty and humorous; his masterful wood engravings capture the somber intensity of the countryside. Ages 7-10. (October)