The Golden Song

Caruso the canary is the apple of Mrs. Thackeray's eye, a golden dynamo whose song lifts her solitary spirits. She keeps her bird in a cage by himself, because the pet store owner told her that Caruso would never sing again if she were ever to get a second canary. But when Mrs. Thackeray discovers how lonely her canary is, she makes the ultimate sacrifice for her feathered friend--she buys him a mate. Contrary to expectations, Caruso rewards her (and his new companion) with a burst of song ``as clear and sweet as a mountain stream bubbling through a cool forest.'' This overwrought tale trods a well-worn path (the ``cast your bread upon the waters'' concept), getting mired in a swamp of treacle on the way. Although first-time author Chase has a good handle on such mechanics as pacing a tale, she relies too often on phrases like ``tears came to her eyes'' to convey deep emotion. Also, her chosen palette for the intricately bordered watercolors recalls the faded colors of an old quilt, and though certainly not unpleasing, they're a bit restrained for what otherwise appears to be a lush tropical setting. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)