THE PRINCESS AND THE LORD OF NIGHT

The princess has been cursed by the Lord of Night: if she's not given whatever she wants, her parents will die and their kingdom ``fall into ruin.'' Bull's tale is built on the princess's unusual response to this prescription for indulgence: she does her best not to want anything. Still, she has treasures- -a cloak of invisibility and a horse, dog, cat, and crow—that she takes along when she sets out to find ``something'' she has dreamed about. Having given them all away to those in need, she comes home to find her parents in despair: the Lord is certain she now lacks what she wants. But no: the princess's kind gifts were her own choice. The magic ring that reverses the effect of the Lord's words, thus granting her real wish—to lift the curse- -is a bit of a cop-out, but children will enjoy debating Bull's original premise. Gaber's romantic, stylishly rendered art, escaping its borders to enliven clean white margins, is also sure to appeal. (Picture book. 5-10)