This volume, with text abridged and adapted (though not dumbed down) for middle-grade readers, benefits from its inclusion of Helquist's black-and-white illustrations showing the French swashbucklers in action.

The picaresque adventures of the young d-Artagnan, who strives to become a musketeer in service of the king, unfold in a visually vibrant adaptation of Dumas-s novel. It-s no easy task to condense such a sprawling story into a picture book, and readers may have trouble keeping up with the swerves of the plot. French artist André uses airy, watercolorlike effects to create dramatic visuals suggestive of stills from an animated action film. It-s an ambitious retelling, but most readers will probably benefit from outside research or conversations with adults to better understand the context and stakes of the story. Ages 8-11. (Oct.)

Gr 5 Up-The text in this abridgement is considerably shortened, but the language retains its original complexity. Helquist's illustrations complement the story nicely, and the movie tie-in may be an enticement for those not yet familiar with this classic. A short glossary helps with the most unfamiliar terms. This is not one to hand to reluctant readers, but it makes a nice bridge to the original. Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Peachtree Montessori International, Ann Arbor, MI