The Little Mermaid and Other Tales (Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen)

I gave this book four stars instead of five because I didn't enjoy every tale, only a few. The ones I did like are very good, although today's children may find these difficult to follow since they were written for youngsters from a century ago.

While the stories are wonderful as always, I bought this volume based onthe comment "that the illustrations had a lovely watercolor like effect". I guess I just don't see shades of gray as watercolor.I do appreciate the masters of black and white illustration, but children really do not. This is the last book I buy that is not better identified as having black and white, color or both illustrations. What is inside the book should be made aware to the buyer. Otherwise the savings to be had and the fun of the online hunt become moot, when opening the volume in hand at a bookstore will answer all your questions. I LOVE those sellers who are open and honest enough to describe their books in detail down to the number of illustrations, including how many are in black and white or color. I will buy from them even if their price is higher. Showing a cover or illustrative example is also a nice selling point.