THE BUTTERFLY SEEDS

A lightweight story serves principally as a vehicle for Watson's lush, transporting paintings of New York City a hundred years ago. Young Jake, on his way to America from Ireland with his family, is given a packet of seeds by his beloved grandfather. Plant them, promises the grandfather, and butterflies will appear. Everyone Jake encounters gives him a handthe customs man doesn't confiscate the seeds, his father's new boss crafts him a window stand, and his many new friends gather soil. When the flowers come up, butterflies appear. This emigrant's tale contrasts mightily with many tales of hardship out there, but why shoot a butterfly with a cannon? Even if the tale has no drama, there is no denying the power of the artwork: The best street scenes shimmer like the work of Childe Hassam, and there are lovely touchessuch as when an unraveling ball of yarn connects those on the boat with those still on the dock. (Picture book. 4+)