THE CRANE WIFE

Medieval Japan provides the backdrop for the classic tale of a sail maker who nurses a wounded crane to health. "Bodkin's finely tuned version abounds with drama and emotion in its rich presentation of morals, and near-perfect pacing sets the stage for the pathos of the ending," said PW in a starred review. "Spirin's compositions, filled with Japanese motifs and period details, cast an otherworldly mood." Ages 5-up. (Oct.)