The Queen with Bees in Her Hair

Harness ( The Windchild ) employs the intricate craftsmanship of a bygone age in this visually captivating tale, which features meticulously wrought scenes of Elizabethan grandeur bordered by ornate floral motifs. Here, a wall separates the neighboring kingdoms of Queen Ruby and Hermit King Harry. One day narcissistic Ruby, in an attempt to impress the peasantry, rides through town crowned with roses. Unfortunately, bees swarm to the flowers, creating a particularly bad hair day for Her Majesty. Ruby banishes all bees to Harry's side of the wall; two coiffures later, the same fate has befallen the local birds. Thus, no bees pollinate Ruby's flowers and no birds sing. The paintings' high-toned complexities may appeal more to adults than to children, and a few difficult words (``retinue,'' ``warily'') may distance the book from younger readers. (Also, hand lettering occasionally jars with the text's carefully conceived typeface.) Still, the artwork impresses: black outlines resembling those of wood engravings are subtly filled with clear colors; the unique look is enhanced through clashing perspectives that place impossibly protruding buildings behind recessed stone walls. Quibbles aside, Harness's masterfully complex illustrations add unusual luster to a tale of royal vanity. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)