The Red Cloak

by Betsy James

In this free retelling of an old Scottish ballad, Jan, who is convinced her friend Tam is not dead but has only disappeared, follows the advice of a wise old woman and with the help of a red cloak releases him from capture by elves.

Genres: Picture Books

34 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Award-winning author-illustrator Betsy James has written and/or illustrated more than a dozen books for children and young adults. She lives in New Mexico where she hikes, grows corn, and shares the shade of a cottonwood tree with one small ground squirrel and several toads.

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many, many retellings of the old tale of Tam Lin. This picture book for children recasts the story. Tam and Jan are children who have been best friends since they were born on the same day. Tam disappears and is stolen by fairies. Jan gets help and a red cloak from a wise woman -- and rescues her friend. Colorful illustrations enhance the story.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the vein of the Proteus myth (shape-shifting). Based on the Scottish ballad of Tam Lin.