Turandot — Marianna Mayer

"Set in Peking, this story concerns the princess Turandot, who will consent to marry only a man who can answer the three riddles she poses. The many suitors who fail her challenge forfeit their heads, but when Calaf arrives, he falls in love with Turandot, answers the riddles, and wins her heart....Varied and dramatic in composition, the polished illustrations in cool hues have an underlying sense of elegance and musicality." Booklist. Author's note.