The Wise Washerman: A Folktale from Burma

In her first children's book, Froese retells a diverting folktale in lively, forthright prose. Aung Kyaing, a washerman, is so gifted at his work that ""everyone believed that he worked magic in his worktub."" Jealous of his hardworking neighbor's stature, a potter devises a nasty plot. Appealing to the king's vanity, he suggests that the ruler lacks one luxury: "" `Well, Exalted One,' hesitated Narathu, feigning meekness. `If I might beg your pardon, it's your elephant.' "" Like all the legendary kings, the potter announces, this king deserves to ride a white elephant rather than his dingy gray one. And who is better qualified to turn the beast sparkling white than the diligent washerman, certain to be banished forever when he fails at this impossible task? Following the narrative to its satisfying close, readers also get a taste of Burmese names and works, for which phonetic pronunciations are supplied parenthetically. Kui, also a first-time artist, contributes lavish, full-spread watercolor and gouache paintings, setting them into motion with swirling floral and geometric patterns. Black-and-white Burmese motifs box the text. Distinctive and imaginative, the art wraps the story in an extravagant garment of almost-psychedelic pastel colors. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)