BOOK OF LEGENDS  

Merlin Library Ltd. has published a collection of legends from Europe and elsewhere compiled by Mario Azzopardi in the vernacular. Under the general title

Is-Sultana s-Sewda (The Black Queen), the book brings together twenty stories written specifically with a youngish audience in mind. Merlin has explained

that it was their intention to commission a book that would "present fantasy in a dramatic style". Is-Sultana s-Sewda was launched at the Malta Book Fair (2006) with a session of dramatised storytelling featuring the author and actress Rachel Portelli. The book includes adaptations from Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Sweden, England, Turkey, Russia, China, Africa, Asia and Australia.  Writing on the book, Chris Gruppetta, evaluating the author's style, says that Azzopardi's prose is "compellingly immediate" and that the author "gives back to his readers the element of fun and adventure, as each tale is a journey into a different and at times exotic culture and tradition."  Is-Sultana s-Sewda (ISBN 999091279-3) was published with high production values, and the work is visually enriched by the sumptuous full-colour illustrations of rising star Nicole Diacono.