Sparrow's Song

Katie is fishing while Charles is hunting birds with his slingshot. He kills a song sparrow but its young one is protected by Katie. She takes the young sparrow home and nurses it until it's healthy and strong. Throughout the summer a remorseful Charles participates in the caring and eventually throws away his slingshot as Katie frees the young bird. The Canadian illustrator, who created last year's notable The Very Last First Time, has written an understated story of responsive children growing up in the magical setting of Niagara Falls. Wallace's figures are bathed in light pointillistic landscapes that reveal the grandeur of nature. Ages 48. (May)