Peter Pan

Gr 3–6—The story of Peter Pan, that little boy who just wouldn't grow up, has been a childhood staple for years. Though countless film and musical adaptations ensure that most children will be familiar with the basic story of how Peter arrives on the scene, taking Wendy, John, and Michael Darling to Neverland for adventures with mermaids, pirates, and Indians, the original story is in many ways darker and more poignant (as well as more whimsical) than many will remember. Barrie is also droll, and many adults will appreciate his piquant jabs at Edwardian society and mores, which will fly over the heads of most children. This particular edition of the classic, originally published in 1980 and now in print again, features mesmerizing, nostalgia-inducing illustrations from Caldecott winner Hyman. Black-and-white images rendered in India ink and full-color acrylic paintings depict well-known scenes—the Darling children taking flight, Peter in combat with the villainous Captain Hook—mixing in just a hint of menace (the pirates are certainly fearsome, and even Peter looks quite feral, more fairy than boy). This enchanting version soars.