Cinnamon

The stunning tiger is a gorgeous black and orange, pacing, growling, and loping off through the lush greens of the mysterious jungle. A storytime winner.

Although the story may not make complete sense in our world, children will rejoice that everything comes together to make the princess happy in the end.

First published in a magazine for adults in 1995, this original fable has a sly humor that may still appeal more to grownups than children, but the story's folktale cadence and sumptuous illustrations are entrancing.

Cinnamon, the heroine of this Just So-style story, lives in a magnificent palace, wears an orange sari, and has pearls for eyes, "which gave her great beauty, but meant she was blind." Cinnamon doesn't talk, and her parents, the Rajah and Rani, offer gifts to those who can get her to speak. All fail until a tiger appears: "He was huge and fierce, a nightmare in black and orange, and he moved like a god through the world, which is how tigers move." Though the family is skeptical, he begins to teach Cinnamon: "The tiger put Cinnamon's hand into his. 'Pain, ' said the tiger, and he extended one needle-sharp claw into Cinnamon's hand." The heat of Gaiman's prose, which switches from fairy tale romance to farce and back again, stands in contrast to Srinivasan's (Little Owl's Night) cool spreads, which concentrate on the beauty of the Indian setting, her flat, graphic shapes ornamented with lacy filigree. This isn't a comforting tale, but its effect is real: Gaiman puts a claw right into the reader's hand. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (May)

In Gaiman's enigmatic parable, Cinnamon, a princess born without sight, doesn't speak, sheltered within the gardens and minarets of the palace, whose bleached pastel hues echo her muted existence. Although her parents invite noblemen from across the realm to teach Cinnamon to speak, she remains silent until a man-eating tiger arrives at the palace. By turns sly and savage, he teaches her about the world of experiences to be found beyond the palace walls, and Cinnamon enthusiastically departs with him into the jungle. The stylized characters and architecture in Srinivasan's illustrations reflect not only the story's Indian setting but also its unique blend of whimsy and depth. The glowing artwork is as luminous as the princess's eyes, with ornate patterns situated within bold graphic shapes that flow across the page with deceptive simplicity. Gaiman's dry wit infuses the tale with a faintly sardonic tone—as when the tiger gobbles up Cinnamon's embittered aunt—that will delight children and adults alike, while the book's ambiguity leaves it open to nearly endless interpretation. VERDICT Gaiman's lyrical and distinctive fairy tale begs to be read aloud and will appeal to children who appreciate a touch of mystery and humor. A good choice for large collections and where the author is popular.—Anna Stover, Poughkeepsie Day School, NY