THE WOLF AND THE SEVEN LITTLE KIDS

Bell and Watts, two reliable interpreters of folklore (Rumpelstiltskin, 1993, etc.), team up again for this strong entry in a crowded field. The translation engages readers and listeners alike; the familiar repetitive elements of the Wolf's entreaty to ``Open the door, dear children! Here's your mother back, with something for each of you'' demands to be chanted aloud. Those seeking a kinder, gentler Grimm will find this truly a traditional telling: The wolf greedily devours six of the kids, while Old Mother Goat courageously cuts open his full belly and substitutes stones for her children. With cozily cluttered interiors and nonthreatening, anthropomorphized animals, Watts's appealing, large paintings are agreeable foils for the scary tale. They are bright and crowded with amusing detail; even as the wolf waits by the door, bunnies and chickens flee. Children will know from the start that all's well that ends well. (Picture book/folklore. 3-5)