The Blue Bird's Palace

With its folkloric elements, positive but not preachy message about sharing, and strong visual presentation, this will make an excellent read-aloud.

In this lavishly illustrated tale from Lallemand (The Wolf Who Wanted to Change His Color), inspired by Russian folklore, a materialistic and tempestuous young woman named Natasha, "sweet as sunshine if she got her own way, savage as a storm if she did not," strikes a magical bargain with an elderly woman, receiving a palace that she can bend to her wishes, but never leave. During her exile, Natasha begins to miss the widowed father she left behind and recognize "what it meant to live in hardship," awakening to her shortsighted selfishness. Rendered in a folk art style, Henaff's ornate acrylics recall embroidered textiles, ornamented with curling vines, flowers, and plants. While Natasha's change in temperament happens somewhat abruptly, this remains an evocative, allegorical story about becoming trapped by one's desires. Ages 5-10. (Sept.)

Gr 1-3-Natasha, a young girl living in the Blue Forest, has a life filled with love and joy. After her mother falls ill and dies, her father spoils Natasha in his grief. Although she is surrounded by beauty and luxury, the girl has an insatiable desire for more. The story is translated from a Russian tale and encapsulates the tone and feel of traditional folktales: "By the time she was sixteen, Natasha was truly beautiful. But she could change as suddenly as the weather--sweet as sunshine if she got her own way, savage as a storm if she did not." The illustrations, full-bleed acrylic depictions, with extravagant folk-style detail, bring Natasha's whimsical experience to life. With elements reminiscent of "The Fisherman and His Wife," this story will remind children that they should be careful what they wish for! VERDICT This fun read with beautiful artwork will enhance any unit on folktales.-Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID

While the text is detailed and somewhat demanding for newer readers, the story, whose theme is familiar, brings new insight into the isolation that selfishness can create. Lovely and magical.