Just So Stories: For Little Children. Vol. 2

Gr 3–6—Six of Kipling's stories, including "The Beginning of the Armadillos" and "The Butterfly That Stamped" are featured in this work. Over the years, these tales have delighted young readers with their imaginative pourquoi style, beautiful language, and clever wordplay. Wallace uses mixed media (watercolor, pencil crayon, pastel pencil and chalk) to create glowing, softly colored paintings that successfully capture the essence of the tales. Each one opens with a full-page painting, followed by several others that highlight important aspects of the story. Wallace also uses his art to cleverly connect the stories and notes, e.g., "Watch for the leopard butterfly flying through all six tales, as well as other animals from the first volume…." He explains his conceptual ideas in a series of comprehensive notes at the end of the volume. His carefully planned and detailed illustrations masterfully complement the clever and complicated language of these best-beloved stories. The distinguished art honors each tale and engages readers with memorable imagery. The wraparound cover includes characters and artifacts from all the stories. This combination of wonderful tales and stunning art will make a fine addition to every library and help bring a classic to a new generation of young readers.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY