THREE BRAVE WOMEN
by C.L.G. Martin & illustrated by Peter Elwell
Fright is compounded by humiliation: Caitlin took off her pants because a spider was crawling on them, and Billy saw her underpants. Tactfully, Mama and Grammy reminisce about similar embarrassing moments and their own continuing phobias until the three are giggling and teasing together. Finally, Caitlin decides to confront her fear, thus setting the others a good example: she captures a spider and takes it to Billy, only to find that he too has a fear to overcome. In a text long enough to double as a young reader, the author of the well-received The Dragon Nanny (1988) presents a pleasing picture of three generations interacting as equals, with the youngest given the satisfying role of helping the others take a new look at an old problem. Elwell's pen-and-watercolor illustrations center on dramatic moments and expressed emotions, underlining the subtle similarities between the three ``women'' at different ages. An attractive realistic story. (Picture book. 5-8)