Gwendolyn's Gifts

The rewards of laboring at a task that one enjoys are manifold as expressed in this original fairy tale. Life in the castle bores Queen Gwendolyn; fine gowns and jewels do not interest her. She is, however, fascinated by the talent and craftsmanship displayed by the castle's jeweler, carpenter and seamstress. A clever ruse enables Gwendolyn to study such skills anonymously and learn them for herself, and her ensuing happiness encourages the king to try his hand--in the castle kitchen. Sheehan's smoothly paced text contains a pleasant mixture of adventure and repetition characteristic of the genre. The likable king and queen gently convey the value of self-satisfaction. Though the facial characteristics of Bumgarner-Kirby's cast are undistinguished, her lighthearted illustrations--especially of the wood-carving queen--may prompt a ``whistle while you work'' attitude. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)