Eugenio

Packed with the wisdom of folklore, this impressive, oversize picture book pulsates between laughter and sadness, sunlight and shadow. A magician discovers baby Eugenio outside his circus trailer and, over the years, transforms him into ``the one, the only, the fabulous clown'' who brings delight to others wherever he goes. But something is missing from Eugenio's life, and he asks his circus friends for advice. Finally Madame Cobra sees ``his past repeating itself'' and counsels him to return home, predicting that a surprise will await him. Debut author Cockenpot warmly unfolds Eugenio's plight, spiking her text with wordplay (`` `Why, you're all twisted up,' said Mash-Mish, the contortionist''). Mattotti's spectacular artwork dazzles with its bold use of color, capturing the excited air of the big top. His figures form pleasing, almost sensuous shapes, curving against a backdrop of billowing velvets and canvases until they appear as figures in dreamscapes. He locates the darkness in this tale as well as its mirth, expressing its sadness in deft use of black tones and in swirling thunder clouds. The sophistication of Mattotti's childlike art emphasizes the powerful undercurrents of Cockenpot's story. Ages 4-8. (May)