BAG OF MOONSHINE

Twenty-two more British fairy tales, retold by a master storyteller noted for his scrupulous rendering and poetic use of dialects. Most of these brief tales are variants of the familiar, recognizable for their plots if not for their titles. What makes them outstanding is Garner's uncanny ear for the mot juste and the telling phrase, his command of nuance and humor. Unlike his Stone Book Quartet; which was heavy going for those unversed in British dialect, these should be perfectly clear to the youngest listeners. Attractively illustrated with a variety of miniature silhouettes, detailed (and often humorous) pen drawings and dramatic full-page paintings, the generous format recalls Rackham's Fairy Tales. A fine source for storytelling or reading aloud; a worthy companion to Joseph Jacobs' standard versions.