FROM SARAH:

Older kids and teens will enjoy this one a lot-- so will you, mama. It's the classic tale from O. Henry, and I like this edition as well as the one illustrated by P.J. Lynch.

Recommended for ages 6+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One dollar and eight-seven cents is all the money Della has in the world to buy her beloved husband a Christmas present. She has nothing to sell except her only treasure—her long, beautiful brown hair. Set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, this classic piece of American literature tells the story of a young couple and the sacrifices each must make to buy the other a gift. Beautiful, delicate watercolors by award-winning illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger add new poignancy and charm to this simple tale about the rewards of unselfish love.

FROM SARAH:

This is a pricier collection, but the illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger are gorgeous. Includes 11 fairy tales.

Recommended for ages 5+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This handsome edition from the well-known collection of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm contains 11 popular stories. Old favorites such as “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Bremen Town Musicians” are included as are some lesser-known stories such as “The Seven Ravens” and “Hans My Hedgehog.” Lisbeth Zwerger’s evocative and exquisite illustrations perfectly capture the mood of these enduring tales.

FROM SARAH:

Here's the deal: if it's illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, I'm probably going to love it! I think this collection might be the best place to start. You can move on to Zwerger's collection of Grimm fairy tales afterward.

Recommended for ages 4+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lisbeth Zwerger is one of the world’s preeminent children’s book artists, and one of the most original interpreters of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytales. This handsome collection, originally published in 1991 now returns in celebration of Hans Christian Andersen’s 200th birthday. It includes eleven favorite stories, such as "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Emperor’s New Clothes," as well as lesser-known but equally wonderful stories, all featuring Ms. Zwerger’s distinctively elegant, witty illustrations. This superb anthology is bound to become a treasured part of every child’s library.