America’s foremost storyteller and fabulist provides a smorgasbord of possibilities for graphic novel interpretations in this solid entry in the Graphic Classics series. Sixteen artists and writers interpret nine Twain works, ranging from novels, such as The Mysterious Stranger, and short stories, such as “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” to the brief satire “Advice to Little Girls.” Twain tales and insights aren’t sanitized in the adaptations, which would make the author happy, indeed. Lance Tooks’ story stands out; he uses the great power of image to script and draw “A Dog’s Tale,” ably highlighting the metaphor between dog and slave that Twain eloquently related in his writing. In whole or in part, these samples from the American literary canon offer much not only to readers but also to artists and observers of American culture’s foibles. Adult/High School-From the troublemaking, steel-trap mind of Twain comes this collection of illustrated short stories, anecdotes, and epigrams. Interpreted in black and white by various artists, these adaptations vary greatly in artistic style, yet through it all Twain's unmistakable insight never waivers. Some of the pieces, such as the consistently enjoyable tragicomedies "The Mysterious Stranger" and "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," receive a traditional comic-book treatment. Other pieces have a more modern, even expressionistic feel. Twain's language can be florid, and many readers will have to refer to the dictionary for clarification. In addition, his work is complex (many of the pieces involve him having a discussion with some incarnation of himself) and can be challenging. The heartbreaking "A Dog's Tale," a story of animal innocence in the face of casual, human evil, is accompanied by sociopolitical iconography that requires a sophisticated audience. While illustrated adaptations of Twain's lesser-known works are not for every reader's taste, teens looking for an unusual introduction to the writer will certainly find this book engaging.-Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Libraries, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.