Annie's Four Grannies

Kipling's tale of the young elephant (who tussles with a crocodile and ends up with a long, significantly more efficient nose) is intact here, except for a few minor changes. However, the story isn't particularly well served by the illustrations, with a cartoony style that seems to undermine the subtle humor of the text. Perhaps the book will draw readers unfamiliar with the author, for it comes with a cassette narrated by Jack Nicholson. Not for Kipling die-hards. (All ages)