Chancay/Secret of Fir

Striking artwork redeems this otherwise stilted ``original'' folktale. In the ancient city of Chan Chan, the people have no way to warm or to brighten the chill black nights. Through a chance encounter with a benevolent spirit, Chancay is given the opportunity to bring fire to his people. After passing tests of kindness, strength and bravery, he is given the secret: he must ascend to the sky and bring the moon's golden mirror back to earth. Charles's story, which the publisher describes as ``inspired by ancient Peruvian art and folklore,'' lacks a distinctive personality--its prose conveys no especial feel for this exotic culture. On the other hand, Charles's stylized paintings in brilliant hues of blue and orange, based on motifs in pre-Columbian Peruvian folk art, are impressive and atmospheric. The winged Chancay, with his masklike face, for example, is inspired by an ancient tapestry figure; a field of spiders which the hero must cross looks like a lavishly appliqued quilt. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)