SISTERS

Another warmly wacky book by the creator of Maebelle's Suitcase (1991). Two elderly sisters, Lucy and Eeda, are best friends who are unfortunately prone to quarrels. On this day they are fighting over how to cook an artichoke. The squabble may be slight but Lucy and Eeda take such squabbles seriously and stop talking for a week. An exchange of artichokes and recipes lulls them into rearranging the den together, but the storm clouds are already gathering for the next sisterly dispute. Among this book's great pleasures are Tusa's watercolors: peach-toned, atmospheric, and wonderfully amusing in their offbeat perspectives. Her people are lumpy, long, endearing and--memorable.