THE FAERY FLAG

Fifteen fantasies in prose and verse, six published for the first time here, the remainder gathered from magazines. A varied lot, these have such diverse settings as Japan and the Isle of Skye; feature both real and symbolic journeys; and include magical creatures (yes, a unicorn), songs, transformations, and just deserts. As usual, Yolen takes a fresh look at tradition: in a bittersweet poem, "Beauty and the Beast: An Anniversary," Beauty thinks about the children she never had; some famous folk tales are reinterpreted in the hilarious "Happy Dens; or, A Day in the Old Wolves Home." "Words of Power" and "The Singer of Seeds" explore the author's idea that "all the world's magic/comes directly from the mouth." A fine miscellany from a gifted storyteller.