Carmine the Crow

The animals of the forest are enthused about Possum's birthday party, but old Carmine the Crow will not be joining them: his feathers are too tattered, he can't afford a gift and he has no one to accompany him. But then an act of kindness towards an ensnared swan wins Carmine a box of wish-granting stardust. Before he can use it, however, he chances upon several animals in distress and feels moved to share his good fortune. Carmine takes advantage of the one remaining speck of stardust to wish for his heart's desire: ``Make me young again.'' Holder's bittersweet theme may appeal more to aging, time-conscious adults than to youngsters, and some will object that it reinforces an unfortunate cultural belief that youth is all and old age to be avoided at any cost. Nevertheless, her illustrations, which are reminiscent at times of Arthur Rackham's work, are breathtakingly beautiful. Her pale palette and delicate washes emit a soft, twilight glow well-suited to her subject matter, and the effect is one of dignified restraint not evident in the more decorative style of her earlier Crows. Holder's tale is simply and movingly told, and readers will appreciate Crow's struggles with the twin pulls of self-interest and selflessness. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)