PreS-Gr 1-These abbreviated retellings move along fairly smoothly and generally follow the schemes of the original stories. However, there's no acknowledgement of the tales' origins. Biro aptly portrays the funny and ugly characters by including humorous details in her comical, energetic drawings. The Ugly Duckling is the simplest and most straightforward title. As tales of vanity, trickery, and greed, The Emperor's New Clothes and Puss in Boots are far more complex and may confuse younger readers. The wicked sometimes, but not always, get their just deserts here. Gretel does push the witch into the burning oven, and Puss does eat the wicked giant he has connived into becoming a mouse. But the wolf doesn't eat Grandma or Red Riding Hood, so there's no need for the woodsman to cut him open. Wicked stepmothers are mentioned but tend to be absent. VERDICT An adequate selection for read-alouds and independent reading where alternative versions of these well-known tales are needed. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.