HAMLET AND THE TALES OF SNIGGERY WOODS

Hamlet the swine has quite the nose for food. He uses all the herbs and shrubs found in the Sniggery Woods to create the most wonderful dishes. When he receives a restaurant from his Uncle Alf, he transforms the kitchen into a cookery school with his friends’ earnest help. Interesting characters, from cousin Gloomy with her bubbling cauldron to King Heron with his wise counsel, populate the brief sentences. A warm authorial voice permeates the inviting narrative: “And here we must leave them for a short while, to see what they can make of that mess.” Descriptive phrases suit the soft watercolor scenes; vivid landscapes and soft vignettes decorate each page. Miniature details from Hamlet’s hearth and home convey the restful surroundings. Detailed maps depict the village’s countryside, providing a refined setting. As an ambitious cast of characters is introduced, more background would add spice to the three connected stories, but it’s so cozy and cheerful, readers will crave more than just this taste of Hamlet’s adventures anyway. (Fiction. 5-9)