HOW THE SEA BEGAN

Crespo, ``who bases his paintings...on elements of mythology from African, Latin American, and Caribbean cultures,'' debuts with a creation myth recorded, at Columbus's request, in what is now the Dominican Republic. The simply retold text recounts the loss of a great hunter, on whom his village depends, during a hurricane; his hungry survivors discover that his weapons, kept reverently in a hanging, saucer-like gourd, are a source of fish. When four boys accidentally knock down the gourd, the waters of the sea—tasting like tears—are released, surrounding the high mountains to form the Caribbean islands and ensuring a perpetual supply of fish. Crespo's stylized figures have a primitive simplicity that accords well with the story, as do his glowing, richly saturated colors—though the vibrant setting occasionally upstages the action. Useful addition. (Folklore/Picture book. 5- 10)