From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-A collection of 13 stories that goes far beyond the typical swords/ quests/evil wizards perception of fantasy. The selections are well written, neatly plotted works that showcase a wide range of styles. Each one will leave readers with plenty to muse over. Some are delightfully silly, such as Will Shetterly's "Princess Who Kicked Butt"; others explore more serious themes, such as Vivian Vande Velde's "Lost Soul," in which a young man is seduced by a water nymph. Because the tales are all so short, this title would be perfect for those who read on the run, or for group discussion. A balanced and pleasing introduction to the genre.Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GACopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. In these 13 tales of the strange and magical, which range from the lighthearted to the eerie to the tragic, there is something to appeal to every kind of fantasy reader. A young farmer is bewitched and betrayed by a seductive river spirit in the chilling "Lost Soul," by Vivian Vande Velde; a touchy wizard-caliph curses anyone who makes him lose his temper in Patricia Wrede's "The Sixty-two Curses of Caliph Arenschadd"; and in Bruce Coville's "With His Head Tucked underneath His Arm," an army of the dead convince soldiers bent on war to go home where they belong. The stories encompass a wide variety of themes and styles, and they will adapt quite nicely to the 60-second "on the floor" booktalk. The brief biographic entries supply just enough information to pique interest and lead readers to other work by the same authors. Janice Del Negro


Book Description
In this collection of short stories, some of the characters you’ll meet include a werewolf princess, a clan of Sea Giants, a feisty king’s daughter known as The Princess Who Kicked Butt, and a fairy child kidnapped by ants. Contributors include Bruce Coville, Charles de Lint, Will Shetterly, Betty Levin, Jane Yolen, and many more. “The selections are well written, neatly plotted works that showcase a wide range of styles.”--School Library Journal

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Do you believe in magic? For this collection is overflowing with everything mystical, magical, fantastic and unbelievable. This book features stories by Patricia Wrede, Jane Yolen, Bruce Coville and many others. "A balanced and pleasing introduction to the genre".--School Library Journal.

FROM THE CRITICS

BookList - Janice Del Negro