Toronto computer programmer and ex- teacher Greg Wilson has collaborated with illustrator William Lytle to create a fanciful trio of stories with female protagonists. However, the word “sensible” in the title misled me: these stories and their solutions ultimately depend not on sensible behaviour, but upon the superior strength and magical skills of the characters.

Fifty-six pages is too long for five- to eight-year-olds to digest in one sitting. But these are three stand-alone tales. Although related, each one is a lively and fast-paced escapade that can be read separately. They are essentially original fairy tales about two resourceful sisters – Red Tam (who is supernaturally strong and clever) and her inordinately gentle sister, Green Tam (who is able to communicate with animals). The sisters use their powers to outmaneuvre a thief and his accomplices, to flatter and outwit a dragon, and to free a cat prince and his monkey assistant from a pirate ship. Other characters – a troll, a seagull, puppets, an old sailor and his parrot – play minor but significant roles. The stories are light entertainment, occasionally funny, and chock full of derring-do and surprises. When read aloud by an adult, the plot-twisting adventures of these good-natured heroines should prove attention-grabbing and amusing.

The pictures are colourful, the “scary” characters not overly frightening, and with three stories between its covers, the book is good value.