INDESCRIBABLY ARABELLA

Although she has a huge bow in her hair and a no- nonsense attitude, Arabella is no Eloise. Her teachers tell her she will never be famous, and "the people in the Big Offices" laugh at her "because she [is], well, indescribably Arabella." But with her ample legs, lace-trimmed dresses and painted-on smile, Arabella is determined to become famous nonetheless. The stylized renderings of outfits and furniture, coupled with a bygone smalltown setting, lend the tale a fable-like quality. Just as the downhearted Arabella decides to give up her quest, "two little old people" suddenly appear to cheer her on. The themes explore the idea of fame and individuality, while the narrative frequently reminds readers that Arabella "is not an ordinary little girl." She paints an "unusual picture," gives an "unusual performance" and dances in "her own special way." It's not until Arabella receives the applause of "the whole neighborhood," that the narrator says, "so you see she has become famous after all." Gilbert's chic, gouache paintings adorn cream-colored pages and the handwritten text recalls neatly inscribed entries in a journal or diary; the book jacket details the manuscript's unusual journey to publication (see Children's Books, April 21). This tale may appeal more to nostalgic adults than to young readers (who may literally have difficulty reading the cursive text on their own), but the message of being appreciated in one's own neighborhood bears repeating. Ages 3-7. (June)