Heather Forest, Storyteller/Author

This poignant tale about the power of words shows how a careless rumor can affect a whole village. Illustrated by Marcia Cutchin. August House Publishes, 2005.
Forest's retelling is simple and elegant, using some dialogue and spare descriptions. Cutchin's bright watercolor illustrations fill in the Eastern European setting well, using varying and fresh perspectives. Brightly colored feathers play prominently across the pages. The artist's style is rich in detail... This is an entertaining tale, ably retold, with a timeless lesson.

-- School Library Journal