Princess Stories from Around the World.

All princesses are not alike. Some are clever, some are spoiled, some are loyal, some are even ugly—so readers learn in Tym's collection of seven familiar folk and fairy tales from different cultures. The title is slightly misleading in that not every story stars a princess (Does the tale of King Midas, who turns his beloved daughter into lifeless gold, qualify?). Tym narrates in a chatty, occasionally arch voice, generously sprinkled with “believe me” and “I think you'd agree,” and she often addresses the reader directly: “Are you with me so far?” The British spellings, turns of phrase and sentence structure immediately peg this book as an import (it was first published in the U.K.). Williams's soft, highly romanticized illustrations, featuring many flowing-haired girls in long gowns, can be an odd match for the sometimes vinegary tone (“Sometimes, good looks, royal blood and pots of money are a recipe for only one thing—a spoilt little madam”). However, the lushness of the many full-spread pictures and ample vignettes exert an undeniable charm. Ages 7–9. (Aug.)