SurLaLune Fairytale Pages

Reviewed By: Christine Mann

REVIEW

SurLaLune Fairytale Pages Annotated Fairytales by Heidi Anne Heiner This site, sponsored by Amazon.com and maintained by Heidi Anne Heiner, offers 26 annotated fairytales and includes their histories and similar cultural tale connections. Individual story pages link to information on history, illustrations, similar tales across culture, modern interpretations, bibliographies and a book gallery. Within the story text, links are provided from important words to a definitions page. Technical consideration has been given to provide linking back to the same spot in the text which allows a quick reference check without the loss of continuity. The cultural links are especially helpful for researching because information is provided that locates text on the Web if available. A citation of the books is also listed. A link at the end of the story is present to allow purchases of the book if desired. There is also a link to Project Gutenberg which provides a copyright free text of the book when applicable. SurLaLune provides accurate information on familiar fairytales. The site is well maintained and appears to be error-free. It is developed and maintained by Heidi Anne Heiner who is a practicing librarian with a master’s degree from an ALA accredited school. While she does not claim to be an expert or scholar, the site has an educational focus and should appeal to high school and college students as well as those interested in learning more about fairytales. This site appears to be objective, but does have a commercial connection with Amazon.com. Amazon supports this not for profit site, but does not pay Ms Heiner for her services. Amazon’s presence is there, but it is not intrusive. It is current as indicated by the most recent May 2003 update. She promises more tales coming soon and provides an email address for questions and comments. There is a current discussion forum and an archive of past discussions. Coverage is very good on these classic fairy tales and expands through the extensive linkage and references to other information.