The Dove

A bird becomes an inspiration--in more ways than one--for an old woman and her granddaughter living in South Africa. Rains and a huge flood have rushed through Natal, destroying property, killing livestock and leaving the ground too wet for spring planting. But in the storm's aftermath, Lindi finds and admires a dove that lands in the yard. While they wait to sow their crops, the girl and her grandmother try to sell their beaded handiwork to tourists in Durban. But not until they fashion unusual beaded doves does the pair begin to make some money. Though much of Stewart's language and imagery makes an impact, her narrative's occasional choppiness slows the emotional momentum. With its rich, warm hues and naive stylization, Daly's artwork--reminiscent of both Donald Crews and William Johnson--creates an appropriately low-key mood. The perspective in many paintings highlights expansive backgrounds of blue skies, or high white walls and ceilings, giving the book's design an overall airiness. Ages 4-up. (May)