QUETZAL QUEST

Honduras has not formed the basis of a story for children, so far as I know, and this one is further distinguished by the fact that, not only is the background seemingly authentic and the picture of the life and point of view real, but it is an original story and a good one. Americans, naturalists, come seeking the quetzal bird, and hoping to take live ones back to the States. The natives are reluctant to help, terrified that the devil creature of the high places will get them, but young Fidelio sees how things are for himself, and plays his part in the quest. There's adventure -- and there's enough of the scientific viewpoint in the expedition to make it worth while and good reading. An excellent piece of bookmaking, good type, wide margins, decorative line drawings.