Fortune

Stanley displays her versatility and talent in yet another artful and meticulously executed book. The story of Omar, a poor Persian farmer, the book contains a series of full-page intricately rendered paintings filled with geometric patterns and entwined flowers. Luxurious peacocks and other birds decorate the text on opposing pages, and throughout Stanley employs the conventions of ancient Persian art. Like the complicated designs of the illustrations, the plot takes unexpected twists and turns. Omar buys a dancing tiger that makes his fortune. Before the book's end, he meets a princess who is pining for her lost love, sees his enchanted tiger transformed into her prince, and marries the girl he left behind. Stanley's witty text is a testament to the power of love ``to overcome even the greatest hardships,'' and her richly detailed illustrations are simply dazzling. Ages 6-up. (Mar.)