Four Brave Sailors

Four brave mice are sailing a great white ship in stormy seas with beckoning whales and eye-patched pirates. Suddenly, toy animals appear in this tale of bravery and adventure, then wallpaper and then a boy sleeping in his bed: at his feet is his tiger cat, with one eye on the mice. This is an episode of daring and scaring, dreaming and wakefulness; the language sparingly evokes the mice's boldness. Tafuri's dramatic depiction of the sea voyage is characterized by tumultuous waters, stoic onlooking penguins, an unconcerned white bear and an overly concerned sea lion. The blending spreads of color are coaxed into shapes, at times, by a single, fluid line. Ages 3-6. (August)