SOPHIA: The Alchemist's Dog

Sophia's artistic master is good at some things—he draws intriguing interpretations of his dreams, for instance, and he can "stir two bad smells together and make a third completely different smell"—but as the king's alchemist, he's a flop. And with the king's visit pending, the poor fellow has been neglecting his pet as he tries desperately to find the formula to turn lead into gold. Sophia, who is as smart as she is loyal, eventually takes matters into her own paws and sets up a laboratory of her own under the table. Her efforts are successful, but the real surprise in this tale is what the king spots as treasure; suffice it to say that the alchemist's job is changed to "painter to the king." Jackson's (The Old Woman and the Wave) tale is somewhat scattered. For example, subplots featuring an imp and an angel may be inspired by late-medieval work but feel tangential. On the other hand, the writing is descriptive ("a finger-joint of candle"). The busy spreads incorporate acrylic paintings, rendered in a palette of terra-cottas and ochers spiked with blues and greens, sepia-like vignettes, and atmospheric, detailed sketches "by" the alchemist. As in the text, there's often too much to take in. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)