THE VILLAGE OF BASKETEERS

Glowing, fanciful illustrations animate Rymond’s plainly told tale of a village assaulted by a wind so wild that animals have to be tied down and the Moon is blown “out of the clouds.” Desperate, the villagers try what they know, weaving two huge wind traps in succession that are instantly blasted into the sky. But then, third time’s the charm, as the tiny basket woven by two children and lined with lamb’s wool draws down the blustery but tired wind at last for a snooze. Though Ceccoli doesn’t quite capture the wind’s force, her richly hued scenes of rounded objects and animals, many showing unusual colors or patterns, tumbling upward as human residents struggle to keep their feet, and then at the end celebrate—quietly—their relief, evoke a sense of surreal mystery and wonder. A good choice for windy day storytimes or Ana Juan fans. (Picture book. 6-8)