The Glassmaker's Daughter

Gr 2–4— The same team who wrote and illustrated Zeraffa's Giraffe has produced another small gem. An introductory note explains the importance of glassmakers in 13th-centruy Venice as well as the procedure for making a "looking glass." The glassmaker's daughter is always glum and gloomy—never smiling. The glassmaker builds a magnificant glass palace and promises it to anyone who can bring a smile to Daniela's face. Many take up the challenge. "Glove makers, tart bakers, trumpet players, dragon slayers, monkey trickers, pocket pickers, bell ringers, opera singers, even sausage stringers—all failed to make Daniela smile." One young glassmaker, however, is determined, and his simple gift does the trick. The story has a lovely flow and the language is lyrical. Ray's folk-art style paintings are a perfect match with her usual attention to artfully placed details.