Diane Goode's Book of American Folk Tales and Songs

Borders that resemble homespun cloth, stone-carved edging or plant patterns frame each page of this brief anthology of Americana. Songs (including ``On Top of Old Smokey,'' ``Clementine'' and ``Yankee Doodle'') are placed between a few stories that represent various regions of the country (North Carolina, New England, Appalachia), and some of varied ethnic origins (Black American, Pueblo Indian, Puerto Rican). The songs are familiar, but the stories only vaguely so; readers may find Durell's choices refreshingly original. Goode's invigorating illustrations have many moods: serene for ``Buffalo Gal,'' joyful for ``Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,'' outright wacky for ``Wait Till Martin Comes.'' If there is one quibble, it is that the book is far too short; readers are left wishing, happily, for more. Ages 4-10. (Sept.)