Moss Gown

Written by: William H. Hooks

First line: Long ago in the old south there was a man who owned a great plantation.

Why you should read this book: An old story brought forward to nineteenth century America, this is a Cinderella-type fairy tale along the lines of All-Fur. When pressed, Moss Gown chooses not to lie to her father about her devotion, but instead offers a metaphor he can't understand, so she is thrown off the estate, befriended by a gris-gris witch woman, and given a gift that will eventually help her win her true love and redeem herself in her father's eyes. It's longish for a picture book, divided into chapters, with enticing illustrations, perfect for young readers clamoring for fairy tale princesses and happy endings.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Your doctor has put you on a restricted sodium diet.