Nightingale CL

With its intense imagery and enduring message about the nature of beauty, Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale has long been a favorite for retellers and illustrators. Here, in a crisp, elegant rendition, Bedard artfully condenses the somewhat lengthy original, while judiciously retaining Andersen's spirited style. The tale of the acquisitive Emperor and the artless nightingale, whose beauty could be neither owned nor rivaled--not even by the most exquisite man-made replica--is a perennially valuable one. Ricci's illustrations are finely drawn, delicate as the porcelain of the Emperor's own palace and full of handsome touches. (Though his characters' facial expressions are somewhat strained, this minor shortcoming is more than redeemed by the elegant surroundings.) Careful attention is given to the symbolic nature of colors and objects in Chinese culture (explained in full on the dust jacket), and Ricci works these into his art in a thoughtful way. A stylish introduction to Andersen. Ages 5-9. (Mar.)