Belling the Cat

"These two classic tales have been abbreviated and simplified for beginning readers. For children who have not been exposed to the stories, these interpretations will be a good start. In Belling the Cat, a brief paragraph explains what a fable is and introduces Aesop, while in The Shoemaker and His Elves, several sentences provide information about the Brothers Grimm. The minimal retellings are nicely done and readers will understand the underlying moral of each story. The appealing illustrations have bright colors and lively action. Silverman's digitally prepared artwork shows a crowd of well-dressed mice, and the two naked but modestly depicted elves in Dickson's watercolor-and-pencil cartoons are especially amusing. Useful additions where beginning readers are needed."