"In [Ellen] Datlow and [Terri] Windling's latest short-story anthology on mythic themes, celebrated contemporary authors explore shape-shifters in fantasy. The stories run the gamut from humorous to tragic and have roots in old tales from many different parts of the world. In Hiromi Goto's 'The Hikikomori,' outcast Masako finds inner strength when she is transformed into a rat. In Midori Snyder's 'The Monkey Bride,' Salim's integrity is tested and found worthy by his shape-shifting wife, while in Tanith Lee's 'The Puma's Daughter,' Matthew Seaton's wild bride tests his credulity and loyalty. Not all are love stories—in Peter S. Beagle's 'The Children of the Shark God,' siblings Keawe and Kokinja risk perilous journeys to confront their absentee father. These tales and many others explore all manner of shape-changers, from werewolves to mermaids."—School Library Journal