cover image Legend of the Whale

Legend of the Whale

Ian Stansfield. David R. Godine Publisher, $14.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-87923-628-1

Long ago, in a primitive land ""which no man will see again,'' the Lord of the Universe, the Great Wockatoo, delivered a gift to the animals who lived in the valley of The Three Moons. He created three whales to send ``out into the world as a test to see if its inhabitants were ready for lasting peace.'' Their purpose was also to show that strength and gentleness could coexist, but if they were killed, the Great Wockatoo ``would destroy the world for the benefit of other life in the Universe.'' Mythical creatures such as the Timeless Lizard and the Rainbirds from the Kingdom of the Sun are depicted in colorful paintings resembling folk art. But young readers may find Stansfield's imaginative tale (which was first published in Australia) too complex and adult in tone. (All ages)