Washington Post Book World offers reviews of new translations and retellings of classic fairy tales, and one original, all of which seem to feature glorious illustrations. Worth checking them out.


The Magic Crystal 

Today, Helena walked up all the stairs (34?) to our 3rd floor apartment, upright, one hand in mine, her other on the railing.

It's all or nothing with that girl. I've seen her stand at the bottom and consider the prospect, then put her hands down to help her climb. Lately she'd stop after 4 or 5 steps and demand to be carried, more, I thought, because of the indignity and frustration of it, dirtying her hands, than because she was too tired.

This, after a day of much walking, rustling through fallen leaves.