THE GOLDEN HEART OF WINTER

A new story in a traditional mode: a blacksmith sends his three sons on an heir-deciding quest for ``something of value.'' En route, the first two scorn a trapped raven; the third, Half[wit], frees her and is rewarded with the story of a magical heart: Life has buried it, but Death would like to find it in order to create eternal winter. The raven gives Half a riddle that he shares with his brothers; finding the heart, the two quarrel, invoking Death and a cruel cold. Back at his father's forge, Half thaws the heart and even offers his own in exchange if only spring will come—thus defeating Death and winning his father's contest. The quickly moving story is different enough from its sources to hold attention, while the powerful images are well realized in Rayevsky's vigorous, finely detailed art. Death looks chillingly like one of the Apocalyptic horsemen; other figures are tellingly caricatured. Some of the symbolism seems a bit muddled (why would Spring's lifeblood be restored by fire?); still, an interesting venture from this versatile author. (Picture book. 5-10)