DYBBUK

Prose's first children's book is a humorously understated retelling of a traditional Jewish folktale (a scrupulous author's note provides sources). ``Forty days before a baby is born, the angels in heaven get together and decide whom the baby will marry . . . . A boy from here, a girl from there.'' It's the angels who decide that Leah will marry Chonon. Leah's parents, not knowing about the angels, make other plans. Fortunately for Leah, on the day of her wedding to Old Benya, she is conveniently overtaken by a dybbuk—a troublesome spirit—who speaks with the voice of her true love. The angels have their way, and Leah and Chonon marry. The lively narrative is wonderful to read aloud. Podwal (Golem, 1995, not reviewed, etc.) uses warm peach and brilliant turquoise tones in his fluid gouache paintings. These skillfully evoke the images in Jewish illuminated manuscripts and in the paintings of Chagall, providing a match made in heaven for Prose's funny tale. (Picture book/folklore. 5+)