cover image King of the Birds

King of the Birds

Shirley Climo. HarperCollins Children's Books, $5.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-06-443273-3

``A lively, elegant version of an ancient legend,'' said PW about the tale of Old Mother Owl's arduous selection of a ruler for the squabbling avian community. ``Heller's brilliantly colored . . . paintings are notable for both their detailed realism and striking composition.'' Ages 5-8. (Sept.)