``Go I know not where, bring back I know not what''--such is the task set Alexis by the king. who hopes to steal Olga, Alexis's lovely wife, for himself. Olga, however, provides Alexis with some magical items to help him on his impossible quest, then escapes by turning herself back into a blue pigeon, as she was when Alexis first met her. Alexis's adventures go on for 18 years before he is able to return to his clever, faithful wife and supplant the wicked king. Wolkstein, a well-known storyteller, nicely hones her language to the spoken word, keeping the many events in this lengthy, complex tale moving briskly. In his picture-book debut, McDermott exhibits commendable verve and skill, capturing the Russian flavor in dramatic illustrations whose decorative style recalls the Petershams. Though some of his studied compositions have a static effect and his faces are more types than individuals, this is a fine debut. A sturdy contribution. (Folklore/Picture book. 5-10)
