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		L'Affreux : conte amérindien Michèle Marineau Illustrations: Geneviève Côté Montréal: Les 400 coups, 2005. 32 p. (Monstres, sorcières et autres féeries) ISBN 2895401209 Ages 4 to 8
L'Affreux: conte amérindien Source

After falling headfirst into a river whirlpool, a little girl finds herself in another world where she meets a disgusting creature that she calls L'Affreux.

The villain holds her prisoner in a foul cave, and every day threatens to devour her. In spite of this, her kindness mollifies the beast and a tacit complicity develops between the two. The story turns into an adventure in which friendship plays an unexpected role.

This talented author charms the reader with L'Affreux, an extremely free and interesting adaptation of an Aboriginal tale. Geneviève Côté's magnificent illustrations, with their contrast of soft colours and black, give weight to the tale. The tender and naïve images, done in watercolour, etching and pastel, make a strong impact. L'Affreux is the first picture book by Michèle Marineau published by Les éditions les 400 coups. A resounding success!

–IB