Mayer spins the story of Prospero, his daughter, Miranda, their enchanted exile, and Prospero's working sweet revenge on those who wronged him into a fairy tale for youngsters who don't yet know Shakespeare. Brilliant color in the gouache illustrations makes this picture-book retelling a visual treat. Each spread is comprised of a painting with the text superimposed on it in a parchment-looking insert. Every flower, seashell, velvet fold, and piece of sky is shimmering with vivid life. The characters are set on the pages as though they were onstage, inviting readers into the tale. Prospero, Miranda, Ferdinand, and the others have the look of the Italian Renaissance; Caliban is properly hideous and Ariel is a bold sprite. Their costuming, with rich-seeming fabrics, would carry well in a theater.