HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTIN LUTHER KING

In a thoughtful note, Marzollo suggests that adults may wish to change the words ``shot and killed'' to ``died'' when sharing this book with preschoolers, but goes on to advise that ``if we handle the subject sensitively, we will find that children, like ourselves, can look at truth and cope with death.'' Narrating King's life and accomplishments with a dignity and simplicity that is equally appropriate for young children or less accomplished older readers, the author concludes with a graceful summary of the reasons he is honored with a special day. Pinkney has created powerful, rather dark and somber illustrations using his trademark scratchboard technique with minimal color added, eloquently conveying the continuing grief for the our loss while dramatizing King's gentler strengths as well as his more heroic moments. A quiet, poignantly telling book. (Biography/Picture book. 4+)