When six unfortunate brothers are turned into swans by their wicked stepmother, their heartbroken sister vows to break the spell by sewing six shirts from starflowers and promising not to utter a word—not even a laugh—for six years, in this tale for readers and listeners up to 8 by the Brothers Grimm. As the young woman begins her silent endeavor, she catches the eye of a king who is charmed by her apparent modesty and grace; upon marrying, however, the woman will have to contend with a mother-in-law who is determined to destroy her. Using mixed media, Gerda Raidt conjures up classic fairy tale forests, while her images of the king and his quiet queen evoke Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.