The pattern is traditional, the outcome shaped by current convention: three brothers quest for the ``Heart of the World''; only the third is generous along the way and also sticks to the appointed path despite temptation, thus winning his father's throne and the affection of the girl whose help he has accepted. As in Wisniewski's The Warrior and the Wise Man (1989), the other brothers concede graciously. The telling is smooth, but no more inspired than the story; the meticulous paintings depict a medieval fantasy world in loving detail, but are not especially imaginative. A sumptuous-looking effort that disappoints on closer examination. (Picture book. 4-10)
