KNOTS ON A COUNTING ROPE

Still gaining strength and dimension, this talented trio offers a fifth book: as an old Indian retells the story of his grandson's birth and early years, their loving relationship is revealed. "Tell me who I am," says the boy, and the grandfather recounts the suspense and joy of the night he was born, sickly but well-beloved. Midway, we realize that the boy is blind—he must always live in the dark; but there are many ways to see, and since he has the strength of blue horses (which gave him his name), he is learning quickly and well. Blue represents happiness, says the grandfather; the boy rides well, and has even completed a race, though he didn't win. Grandfather ties another knot in his rope to represent this retelling; though he cannot promise to be there always, the boy will soon know the story by heart; remembering it will support him with the strength of his grandfather's love. Rand's broad page-and-a-half spread paintings sensitively evoke the warmth of this southwestern family, the mysterious shadows of the star-studded night, and the brilliance of the desert day, when the turquoise sky repeats the color of the decorative, symbolic stones worn by the characters. Both the illustrations and the poetic text are full of affection and dignity; the several valuable themes are well integrated. An excellent contribution.