FINNISH FAIRY TALES AND STORIES FOR CHILDREN Ottawa, Borealis Press, c1981. 46pp, paper, $14.95 (paperbound boards), $6.95. ISBN 0-88887-942-3 (paperbound boards), 0-88887-944-X (paper). Grades 1 and up. Reviewed by Jean E. Mabee. Volume 12 Number 1 1984 January During the year 1979, children of Finnish extraction from across Canada were given the opportunity to enter a contest. They were required to translate into English and/or illustrate an authentic Finnish folk tale or story. The best from among the translations and illustrations were selected and published in this volume. The tales vary in length from two to twelve pages. Each is accompanied by one or more shaded illustrations. The tales are true to the principles of a life based on honesty, faithfulness, and righteousness, and from each there is a lesson to be learned. "The Reluctant Woman" tells of a woman so contrary that she does exactly the opposite of what she is told; therefore, reverse psychology must be used. "Strong Matt" is a Finnish version of the American tall tale heroes, Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill. Each tale is retold simply, in the language of children. This simplicity adds to the enjoyment of the entire volume. Children can easily identify with the situations and derive enjoyment from the consequences. It is too bad that the book will not last through many circulations. The binding is just too flimsy. Despite this flaw, the collection is recommended. Children 6 to 8 will enjoy listening to the stories, and older children can read them for themselves. Jean E. Mabee, Dieppe E. S., Winnipeg, MB.