THE TROUBLE WITH WISHES

In this version of the Greek myth Pygmalion, Stanley interprets “notions of perfect beauty and misguided love.” Pyg is an accomplished stone sculptor in ancient Greece; Jane is his friend and apprentice. One day Pyg tackles a new marble block, working for weeks on a statue of a beautiful, perfect goddess, which Jane finds “pretty amazing” and “amazingly pretty.” However, when the statue is finished, Pyg becomes so enamored with it that he stops working and does nothing but admire it all day. He offers the statue gifts, sings to it and tells it stories. Pyg wishes his beautiful statue could be a real woman, and one day his wish comes true. But Pyg soon discovers one should be careful of one’s wishes because his real goddess proves to be a real handful. Incorporating decorative elements of Greek art, Stanley’s rich illustrations place her characters in an ancient Greek tableau, but include humorous modern touches that should tickle readers. A classy retelling of a classic myth highlighting the meaning of real companionship. (author’s note) (Picture book. 5-8)