A WORD TO THE WISE

Following a short preface discussing their many honorable origins, a score of the best-known proverbs, illustrated in Rayevsky's usual pungently satirical style. He and Hurwitz collaborate to make some intriguing links—e.g., the ``early bird'' becomes ``a bird in the hand'' on the next spread, and there are some obvious pairings (``A watched pot...''; ``Too many cooks...'') that use the same characters to good graphic effect in rhythmic compositions. But despite the visual play and formidable energy of Rayevsky's art, he's content to depict only the literal meanings; readers are left to explore the adages' metaphorical or cautionary intent on their own. For such a handsome production, the result is oddly flat. (Folklore/Picture book. 4+)