The Three Wonderful Beggars

Scott has adapted a Russian folktale about a wealthy, arrogant man who tries to recast his own destiny. Mark the Rich almost refuses to board three beggars for the night, until his daughter pleads with him to let them stay. She overhears them talking about a new baby, Vasilli, who will one day usurp Mark the Rich's place as the wealthiest man in the land. Mark is outraged to hear that news and plots against the baby. Despite all his efforts, Vasilli succeeds, which is just what the beggars had foreseen. Scott's standard retelling of a plain tale is overshadowed by her skill as a delicate fabricant of colors, patterns and textures, which produced the opulence of The Magic Horse. Elegant and precisely cut garments delineate the Russian motifs but do not extend the appeal of the tale. Ages 5-up. (April)