The Girl in the Golden Bower - Softcover

Ages 5-8. Searching for a great treasure, a sorceress, disguised as a cook gains a position in the home of a woodsman, his wife, and young daughter, Aurea. Near death from a poisoned stew prepared by the cook, the wife gives her daughter a prized possession--a russet-colored comb--and says that the comb will always watch over her. Realizing that Aurea has the magic piece, the sorceress tries to outwit the girl, but Aurea's animal friends alter the wicked spell and keep her alive. The text and illustrations are printed on paper that has been painted to resemble parchment. The double-page watercolor spreads, featuring portraits of the characters and detailed, swirling garlands of flowers and plants that spill over the borders, are executed in a palette of yellows, golds, light browns, and greens that beautifully complement the story's setting and tone. The lyrical language Yolen employs makes this an excellent choice for reading aloud. April Judge

Grade 2-4-After the death of her parents, Curry befriends the creatures in the woods and untangles their fur with the special comb her mother had given her. Her kindness is repaid, as the animals protect her from the cold and from the sorceress who thinks the child has a charm that will lead her to a treasure. This original fairy tale has all of the elements of the genre. The writing is direct, yet filled with just the right amount of fantasy. Dyer's watercolor illustrations, printed on parchment-colored paper, are detailed and beautifully crafted, giving the entire production a feeling of having been handed down through the ages. Sure to be appreciated by groups and individual readers.
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY
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