A Greenaway medalist known for her striking graphic effects (Snow White in New York, 1986) adopts an African setting and motifs for her latest fable. Preoccupied with his own pursuits- -hunting; playing drums while others sleep--Ojo refuses to help anyone until a tree spirit--roused to anger when Ojo takes his fruit--takes him to a kingdom within the tree, where he becomes king on condition that he sometimes says ``Yes'' instead of ``No.'' Ojo rules well, marries, and in time returns with his wife to his village, more accommodating and also happier because he's learned to say ``Yes.'' The simply told tale offers a vital message to those ready to absorb it, but the vibrant art is of most interest here. Juxtaposing decorative geometric patterns in harmonious arrays of saturated colors with filmy skies of tissue- paper tints, the artist fashions one richly imaginative, beautifully designed spread after another. Unusually handsome. (Picture book. 4-8)
