Mother Cary's Butter Knife

Gr 5-7--Two illustrated stories set long ago and far away. Small but sea-loving Keenan Mowat is the youngest of three brothers. He rescues them all from sure death when he heeds a strange man's words and takes a hook, an ax, and a silver sword--a butter knife--with him when the brothers go out on their fishing boat. Ostra, meanwhile, is from "the days before computers, before cars, before electricity...[when] humans were closer to nature." Her ability to communicate with animals--and they with her--saves her from a cruel, selfish man who wants to marry her for her strength. Both Ostra and Keenan find love in very different ways. Each tale is illustrated in a similar line and wash palette, though with a distinctive style. Uhren's illustrations in Mother Cary's Butter Knife create continually dark, foreboding sea scenes, while Izlesou's art in The White Hare contrasts pastoral scenes and gentle Ostra with a harsh huntsman. Both titles have a sophisticated sensibility but will read aloud well. VERDICT Unusual and beautifully illustrated offerings from a small Welsh publisher. Ideal for fans of dark folktales and fairy tales.--Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library