The Blacksmith and the Devils

Published simultaneously in Spanish and English editions, this dynamic Argentine folktale puts a new spin on the Faust legend. Juan Pobreza, a poor but generous blacksmith, does indeed sell his soul to the devil, but, scamp that he is, manages to outwit him not once but thrice, each time wangling a contract for 20 years of youth, riches and adventure. Unfortunately, there is no happy ending for Pobreza. Because he insulted St. Peter--``Shut up, you fat old idiot!''--he's unwelcome in heaven; and since the devil certainly doesn't want him either, he's doomed to wander the pampas forever. Brusca ( On the Pampas ) and Wilson's fresh retelling bristles with energy, and the vibrantly colored, angular illustrations (occasionally calling to mind a cartoonier version of Dirk Zimmer's work) mesh neatly with the yarn's larger-than-life nature. Ages 5-9. (Oct.)