THE GOOD STEPMOTHER
adapted by Marguerita Rudolph & illustrated by Darcy May
``Boris Zakhoder, a well-known writer for children in the Soviet Union'' was the original author of this pleasant tale about a princess who devises a unique way to select a stepmother. The king, afraid of getting a dud (``I would be heartbroken if I were to choose a bad stepmother''), agrees that the choice will be Elena's. She decrees that contestants will make themselves wedding gowns—but the real test is the tiny bandage that Elena secretly puts on her own finger: the maiden who notices that she's hurt is sure to be a loving wife and kind mother. Attractive realistic illustrations round out a story that will be welcomed as much for its contemporary theme as for its traditional setting. (Picture book. 4-8)