In Fairyland: The Finest of Tales by the Brothers Grimm

Artwork by iconic Swiss illustrator “Fis” sets this selection of the Grimms’ classic tales apart. Calligraphic lines of ink swirl beneath the table of contents, forming a rotund little fellow energetically chasing some skeptical poultry. Elsewhere, a jumble of line-drawn animals cavort across the page, a hungry spool and sneering shears preside at a table populated by a wide-eyed button, and a single page reveals the whole plot of “Red Riding Hood.” Using various mediums, Fis draws scenes both hilarious and fantastic, animating straight-on, wryly witty tellings of stories including “The Musicians of Bremen” and “Puss in Boots.” Though the text hews true to fairy tale convention (with the usual violence), it offers a sturdy platform for the artwork’s inventive delights, such as a spread showing just how Puss learned to walk in those boots. Ages 4–8. [em](Mar.) [/em]