MYTH, MAGIC, AND MYSTERY

This beautifully illustrated volume is a delightful reminder of the magic we all found in the books we read as children. In Myth, Magic, And Mystery ($50.00; paper $29.95; Sept. 1996; 240 pages; ISBN 1-57098-080-2; paper 1-57098-079-9), Trinkett Clark and Nicholas Clark (of the Chrysler Museum, which is copublishing this volume) and children's literature authority Hearn offer views on classics such as George Cruikshank's illustrations of the Cinderella story, as well as contrasting versions by other artists; more recent icons such as Hans Augusto Rey's Curious George; and everything from abecedarians to nursery rhymes, fantasy to hard-core reality. A colorful reminder that ``children's art'' is not so easily defined: The best artists, like the best storytellers, respect the discriminating tastes of their young readers.