THE FIRST NOEL

A popular and respected Polish-born illustrator presents a traditional English Christmas carol. Using large pages with wide red borders surrounding a collage-like illustration for each line or two of text creates a colorful effect; but because the elements of the collage are so different in style, the effect lacks harmony. Figures are drawn in an almost calligraphic style, washed in a range of colors heavy on pink, purple, and blue. The more vaguely defined landscape relies more on yellows and browns. The heavens are a vivid red, white, blue and black geometric pattern, overpowering and jarring in juxtaposition with the more delicate figures. The geometric, black-and-white star of Bethlehem contributes a fourth style. Eye-catching, but disappointing.