SIR RIBBECK OF RIBBECK OF HAVELLAND

In perky, gently pulsing rhyme, the old tale of Sir Ribbeck whose sweet pears were generously offered to all who came by. His last request, to counter a miserly heir, is filled by his mourners: they bury a pear by side. The son fences off Sir Ribbeck's tree but the graveside pear takes root and blossoms, ""Until one autumn as of old,/ The tree was rich with pears of gold"" and among the leaves the children hear Sir Ribbeck's inviting refrain: ""Come have a pear! My pears are choice."" Fresh and resonant woodcuts add to the happy flavor. Like the pears--choice.