7 charming tales include the celebrated title story, in which a golden snake comes to the aid of a cruelly treated princess; "Companions of the Forest," in which a wolf, fox and lion become the best friends of a young hunter; and 5 other authentic tales: "Princess Red-White-and-Black," "King Falcon, King Dolphin, and King Stag," "The Enchanted Doe," "Rags-and-Tatters," and "Bella del Mondo."

Like fairy tales everywhere, the fairy stories of Italy feature a familiar cast of characters: giants, witches, wizards, monsters, magicians, enchanted animals, brave young men, and beautiful princesses. "But there is one thing you should know about Italian fairies," the translator of these tales noted. "They have a habit of taking on quite ordinary shapes. Indeed, they prefer it. Perhaps you think you see an old market-woman, or a milkmaid, and you pass by without a single glance of wonder. They may really be fairies all the same."

In this fine selection of seven charming stories from The Italian Fairy Book, readers will find elements of both the ordinary and the extra- ordinary. In the celebrated title story, a golden snake comes to the aid of a cruelly treated princess. "Companions of the Forest" shows how a wolf, a bear, and a lion become the best friends of a young hunter, help him rid Sicily of a people-eating dragon, and win him love and good fortune. "Princess Red-White-and-Black" is the story of a young man"s devotion to his brother and the agonizing decisions he must make. The four other authentic tales, all accompanied by delightful illustrations, are "King Falcon, King Dolphin, and King Stag," "The Enchanted Doe," "Rags-and-Tatters," and "Bella del Mondo." Fairy-tale lovers and general readers alike will welcome this selection of time- honored stories spiced

with the special flavor of Italian folklore.

"I tell you what, you stay right

 here!"

"Got plenty to eat and drink,

 haven"t you?" continued

 Mr. Toad.

Danny popped his head out of

  another little doorway and

  laughed at Reddy.

He was being carried.

Peter knew that Danny was

  doing something at the other

  end.

With another frightened squeak,

  Danny dived.into the opening

  just in time.