ADVENTURE AT MONT-SAINT-MICHEL

The tides of Mont-Saint-Michel, an endless source of inspiration to writers and artists, wash lightly over this story of a fisherman's daughter who longs to know where the sea goes. In her search, Centauree is marooned on a rocky islet by the rising tide and has to be rescued. Safe in a cafe on the Mont, she listens drowsily as the fishermen explain the tide to her and warn her of its danger.... ""But grandfathers always say that... Now the tide is in."" The illustrations recall European posters meant to attract at a glance rather than intrigue at close range: they are done in large, flat areas of strong color with no facial definition. Best are the swirling, sweeping seascapes and the three full-page photographs of island and sand, an arresting combination. It's a slight story with superficial suspense; the real star is the sea.