Tristán e Iseo

Gr 6—9—In this picture-book retelling of a medieval romance, a 15-year-old orphan goes to live with his uncle, the King of Cornualles. During that time, a giant from Ireland comes to the court to request payment in the form of young slaves. Tristan kills the giant but is gravely wounded himself. Before dying, the giant tells him that his niece, Iseo, can heal him. So, Tristan sets sail to Ireland where he recovers and falls under the magical spell of a love potion. The relationship is impossible because Iseo is to marry Tristan's uncle, and only through deceit can the pair be together. The story is told through the eyes of a messenger with its beginning line, "Hear yee, Hear yee!" Short verses and deep-hued paintings adorn the pages. Both the art and the mature themes suggest a sophisticated audience. Everything about this book speaks of a medieval tale, but in a colorful, unconventional way.—Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL