Two fairy tales retellings add to an established bilingual series: Thumbelina/Pulgarcita by Caterina Valriu, illus. by Max, which follows the big adventures of the diminutive girl accompanied by Spanish artist Max's black-outlined, poster-like illustrations, and Puss in Boots/El gato con botas by Francesc Boada, illus. by Jose Luis Merino, starring the resourceful feline who helps his master impress the king and wed a princess; Merino's illustrations utilize earth-toned colors and light spongy and streaky textures.

Andersen's fairy tale about "a tiny girl no bigger than a thumb" is presented in both English and Spanish. The slight narrative is straightforward yet entertaining; the illustrations with heavy black holding lines are spare but appealing; and the serviceable Spanish translation and format make the book a good choice for bilingual collections.

K-Gr 3-These adaptations of beloved fairy tales do justice to the originals, in a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek way. The English-language renditions retain the familiar wording of most traditional editions, and the Spanish, while following the English closely, has its own style and swing. However, it's the illustrations that lift these titles above the "just another version" category. Merino's attractive and animated cartoons, done in ink and watercolor, present a Marquis of Carabas who is perpetually befuddled by the actions of his cat, who sports perhaps the most dynamic feather ever to grace a hat. Superb use of white space and an informed use of warm colors make this simple presentation irresistible. Max has produced humorous, clear cartoon illustrations for Pulgarcita. Rendered in a limited palette (mauve, orange, green, blue, and brown), the round-headed, pointy-nosed characters appear perpetually surprised, and the result is a Thumbelina who is an alert, curious heroine rather than a pawn of fate. These titles will hold their own against such standards as Malcolm Arthur and Fred Marcellino's lush Puss in Boots (Farrar, 1990) or Amy Ehrlich and Susan Jeffers's traditional presentation of Thumbelina (Dial, 1979; o.p.). Excellent additions for either bilingual collections or folktale sections in need of contrasting artistic renderings of two perennial favorites. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.