The Heroine of the Titanic

Told in exuberant verse, this story of ``the unsinkable Molly Brown'' is scattered throughout with wit, tall tales and exaggeration, much like the hearty heroine herself. Molly Brown is best remembered for refusing to go down with the Titanic , but Blos ( A Gathering of Days ; Old Henry ) presents this episode as only one part of a full, unusual life--focusing instead on her youth, marriage and later travels. Relying on an abundance of brown hues for a beguiling period tone, Dixon's ( Berchick ) robust watercolors admirably depict Molly's childhood in Missouri, while the artist's attention to detail, particularly fashions, complements Mrs. Brown's ascension to high society. Both appealing and accessible, this collaboration makes Molly Brown's love of life and straightforward nature a cause for celebration. Ages 6-up. (Aug.)