Tales from the Enchanted World

A variety of tones embellish Williams-Ellis's collection of stories, reflecting the styles of storytelling in different parts of the world. This distinguishes the book, as does the range of locales represented: Tibet, England, China, Africa and Norway among them, as well as stories passed down in the author's own family from unknown sources. ``The Country of Mice'' tells of the way in which a king and his rodent population work together against a common enemy; ``The Waterfall'' reveals how a Chinese maiden saves her village despite the sure knowledge that she will lose her life doing so; ``Mr. Miacca'' shows the near-demise of Tommy Grimes in a boiling pot, the fate of all bad boys. There are also more familiar tales, such as ``Tom-Tit-Tot'' and ``Cap o' Rushes.'' Kemp provides fluid line drawings that aptly capture the elements of humor and fear in the stories, and shimmering paintings in elegant, jewel-like colors. A notable book by any measure. Ages 8-12. (May)