In this popular Grimm's fairy tale, a king tells a young woman that she must spin a roomful of straw into gold by morning--or die. To complete this impossible task, she is forced to promise her firstborn child to a mysterious little man in return for his gold-spinning ability. Years later, he returns to claim what is his--only to find that he has underestimated the power of a mother's love. This is a haunting, heartfelt retelling of the classic German tale. Illustrated by Peter Sis. Ages 6 and up. Chicago International Film Festival Award; The Children's Music Web Awards special judges' citation.