Written by Robert Louis Stevenson
Format: MP3

Francis has done a careful job of retelling the originals in a concise if somewhat uninspired manner. In particular, she uses the epistolary styles of the original Dracula and Frankenstein in her retelling while using simple language and plot summaries that children will follow with ease. Students who read these books would be able to summarize the stories' main points, but may be left in the dark as to why these classics are held in such reverence, as the style is more reportage than fiction. Contributing to the dry tone are low-quality illustrations that lack detail and are unlikely to draw children's attention. There are helpful appendixes and introductions, however. “Graphic Classic” (Eureka) is a similar series with broader appeal to this age group.–Jane Cronkhite, Santa Clara County Library, CAα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.