Crossing to Paradise, which tells the story of Gatty, a simple, medieval field girl, completes Crossley-Holland’s “Arthur Trilogy.” The hero of those books, Arthur de Caldecott, had been Gatty’s companion before setting off to join the ill-fated Fourth Crusade. Returning without setting foot in the Holy Land, Arthur discovers that Gatty and Lady Gwyneth have left—for the Holy Land. When the group finally returns, Gatty and Lady Gwyneth have gained an un derstanding of Moorish culture and customs, and Lady Gwyneth has become an accomplished young woman, ready to assume her life as landowner and Ar thur’s wife. Crossley-Holland has again woven a rich tapestry of medieval life that can resonate with today’s young readers. (n.b., The “Arthur Trilogy” was reviewed in Crossing Boundaries with Children’s Books, p. 309). 2009 USBBY Outstanding International Books List. Kevin Crossley-Holland’s awards include the Carnegie Medal and Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. mln

Originally published as Gatty’s Tale by Orion Children’s Books Great Britain, in 2006.