Oscar Wilde’s Stories for ­Children

Gr 2 Up–Six well-known short stories, ranging from seven to 17 pages, comprise this collection. The watercolor illustrations by O’Hara (At Home in a Book) are interspersed throughout. Other pages are bordered by delicate, single-color lattices with themes matching each story’s central idea. “The Selfish Giant” forbids the local children to play on his property but soon discovers that it’s the kids who cause his trees and flowers to bloom with their presence and learns a lesson about sharing. “The Happy Prince” is a jeweled statue who watches over the city and, with the help of a ­swallow, gives his jeweled eyes and golden body to the people in need until there is nothing left. “The Devoted Friend” details a miller who uses his poor friend Hans to do all of his bidding with nothing to be given in return other than his friendship. “The Nightingale and the Rose” tells the story of a nightingale giving up everything, even her own life, to obtain a rare red rose. “The Remarkable Rocket” examines a rocket who learns a lesson about pride. “The Young King” tells of a boy who rejects the idea of adorning himself with jewels and gold after a series of dreams. The stories are often dark and may present as difficult for young readers; these tales are widely available, so purchasing this ­collection is dependent on an appreciation of O’Hara’s lovely watercolors.