The Water of Life: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm

Based on a Grimm fairy tale, Rogasky's elegant text portrays the age-old battle between Goodness and Evil. Three sons seek the Water of Life, which will cure the illness of their father, the king, but only the youngest is pure enough of heart to find it. Before the story's end, he is tested by a good dwarf, falls in love with a princess in an enchanted castle, tames two lions, saves the kingdoms of three kings, survives the treachery of his brothers and finally finds happiness. As usual, Caldecott medalist Hyman has created stunning illustrations that are inventive and richly detailed: black rooks silhouetted by firelight, medieval tapestries in the king's bedchamber, enchanted beasts, and more. This is a simply beautiful book. (4-10)