THE BELLS OF SANTA LUCIA

A mini-novel of a story set in picturesque time past: Lucinda loves her village's many bells until after her beloved granny, Nonna, dies; Nonna has used a hand bell to call for help, and in her grief Lucinda rejects all bells. Then wise Professor Venuti offers comfort in the form of a new lamb, Clarissa. When there's a fire, the other lambs are wearing bells that help Lucinda save them, but she has removed Clarissa's bell. By ringing the huge ""Grandmother Bell,"" she is able to summon help in time to save Clarissa, thus regaining her love for the bells--and for life itself. The story is cleverly contrived to explore a child's genuine depression in a folklore-like setting that contributes both drama and distance. Morgan's broad, soft-edged lines, sunny colors, and bold design are an excellent complement.