THE BELLS OF SANTA LUCIA

A mini-novel of a story set in picturesque time past: Lucinda loves her village's many bells until after her beloved granny, Nonna, dies; Nonna has used a hand bell to call for help, and in her grief Lucinda rejects all bells. Then wise Professor Venuti offers comfort in the form of a new lamb, Clarissa. When there's a fire, the other lambs are wearing bells that help Lucinda save them, but she has removed Clarissa's bell. By ringing the huge ``Grandmother Bell,'' she is able to summon help in time to save Clarissa, thus regaining her love for the bells- -and for life itself. The story is cleverly contrived to explore a child's genuine depression in a folklore-like setting that contributes both drama and distance. Morgan's broad, soft-edged lines, sunny colors, and bold design are an excellent complement. (Picture book. 4-8)