The Princess and the Painter

In an impressive stretch, Johnson (Grandma's Bill) places her work in the style-and formidable shadow of-Diego Velazquez. The figures from Las Meninas, the 1656 painting of the five-year-old Infanta Margarita and her courtiers, people this bittersweet musing about the Spanish princess's friendship with the artist. ""`Today Don Diego will finish his painting. I shall see it at last!' The Infanta Margarita bounced on her bed with delight.'' The princess's day is one of stiff clothes and dignified behavior, but when she finally sees Las Meninas and finds herself the main subject, she and Don Diego hug-a rare taste of affection for the lonely princess. Testifying to the inspirational power of art, Johnson's imaginings may entice children to think more deeply about the individual works they encounter. But the style of the somber Spanish master is an unlikely choice for sparking the interest of the picture book set. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)