Tales of the Far North

Martin has compiled and retold tales with familiar motifs that have a Canadian setting, stories that were brought to that country by European settlers. This is a richly compelling collection, replete with cheats, rascals, princesses, fleet-footed horses, tricksters and clever young brothers. Gal's paintings structure space magically, blending past and present, with incandescent colors, and he lifts the reader instantly into a fairy tale dimension. There are but two flaws: the acknowledgements convey much information but are buried in the back; and ""The Healing Spring,'' the first story, is pointless and implausible, throwing off the smooth tone of the book with jarring morbidity. All ages. (April)