CARAVAN

Jura is one of the nomadic Kirghiz people of Afghanistan, preparing for the first time to accompany his father on a caravan across the Hindu Kush mountains for supplies. On horseback he tends three camels, leading them past rushing rivers, through snow-swept mountain passes, and down to the city below. McKay's first book has an unusual, vivid setting that comes through despite Jura's formal- sounding, matter-of-fact narration. Newcomer Ligasan's richly colored paintings, showing a variety of perspectives and set off with decorative patterned borders, evocatively capture the landscape during the journey. His figures are somewhat stiff, but the drama of Jura's descent into the market and his return home will give readers an armchair tour of a unique locale. The author's note includes geographic information and also acts as a glossary. (Picture book. 6-10)