"Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of us all?"

This well-known entreaty by the evil queen is where any fundamental similarity between the Disney version of Snow White and this lovely interpretation begins and ends. Grimm's fairy tale is familiar, but the subtlety, respect and mystery of this new version are unique, as are the depth of characterisation and plot. Barrett's rich, gorgeous illustrations serve as a stunning backdrop to the reinvented drama and contribute to the more sophisticated feel of this rendition. The seven dwarfs, for example, are not depicted as freakish slow-witted anomalies; they are simply small, kind men. One of the most haunting images of the book is of Snow White running through the dark forest, translucent white gown flowing, scratches from the brambles barely visible on her legs, wild animals racing along beside her as comrades and protectors.

This author-illustrator pair also collaborated on the highly acclaimed Joan of Arc. Barrett's illustrations (also seen in The Emperor's New Clothes and other books) have an elegant, luminescent appeal, ideal for the romance of a fairy tale. Readers of any age will be mesmerised by the exquisite interweaving of Poole's and Barrett's art. (Ages 5 to 10) --Emilie Coulter