My Third Big Story-Book Richard Bamberger (Oliver and Boyd 27s
6d). Dr Bamberger is
an international authority on children's books and his third collection of stories, finely illus- trated by Emmanuela Wallenta, is rich, varied and meaty. Do not be put off by the 'bumper
book' ring of the title: it belies the contents. Fairy Tales of Ludwig Bechstein (Abelard- Schuman 30s). A collection of tales from the
folk-lore of Europe collected by Bechstein. a lesser-known contemporary of the Grimms. The simpler tales have been chosen for this volume, which is brightly illustrated by Irene Schreiber.
Tales of an Ashanti Father Peggy Appiah (Deutsch 18s). A delightful collection of folk-
tales from Ghana, some about that crafty spider man, Kwaku Ananse, others recognis- able from their European or American parallels. Mrs Appiah has a lucid prose style and an instinctive literary tact which allows the stories to make their own point. Mora Dickin- son's scraperboard decorations are a perfect complement to the text.
The Emir's Son Martin Ballard (Constable Young Books 15s). A Hausa fable from
Nigeria, about a proud Prince who lives only for pleasure until an old peasant teaches him the secret of true happiness. Illustrated in glow- ing African colours by Gareth Floyd.
Mediaeval Tales Jennifer Westwood (Hart Davis 21s). Author and artist (Pauline Baynes) are specialists in mediaeval life and literature The volume they have produced retells for children the stories of Chanticleer, Aucassin and Nicolette, Sir Gawain, etc, without com- promising their essential character.
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