A GARLAND OF GAMES AND OTHER DIVERSIONS

An alphabet of southern colonial pastimes that you'll run your fingers over first (the flecks of oil paint are that palpable), grin at (such cheerful, airy scenes) then examine for the sly detail. Altogether from A—"A wicked Archer with cruel Arrow/Shot and killed a little sparrow"—to V—"Across the field and over by the pond/ I found a Valentine from one of whom I'm fond"—and beyond, it's one of Miss Cooney's most beguiling gambols. And one of the most artfully designed—a succession of sturdy paintings that somehow float on the page.