cover image Some Things Never Change

Some Things Never Change

Kurt Aldag. MacMillan Publishing Company, $13.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-02-700205-8

As envisioned by these collaborators, a visit to the gas station is more than a fuel stop--it's a trip down memory lane. When a shiny blue vintage car pulls into the Mack Brothers Garage, Norman Mack recognizes it as the same vehicle that his family sold years ago. By coincidence, the elderly driver once lived in Norman's sleepy hometown and recalls purchasing the car. The two men reminisce independently while Norman performs a basic repair on the automobile. Aldag's text sets a serene mood by focusing on the emotions of adult protagonists, but his story lacks action and suspense. Roth's oil paintings, rendered in cool blues, greens and grays, feature lush landscapes and nondescript human figures who lend an ``Anyplace, U.S.A.'' flavor to the book. The artwork also skillfully captures the realistic play of light and shadow on a sunny day in the country. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)