DARKNESS
by Mildred Pitts Walter & illustrated by Marcia Jameson
Walter (Mississippi Challenge, 1992, etc.) teams up with newcomer Jameson in a meditation on the positive gifts of the dark. Seeking to counter some of the entrenched negative associations of images of darkness, Walter says, ``Some wonderful things happen when there is no light.'' Over a series of expressive spreads the text and illustrations combine to celebrate the beginnings of life in the womb, the germination of seeds beneath the soil, the discovery of diamonds and other gems in earth's darkest recesses, and more. There are few surprises; all the images are familiar and become opportunities for reassurance. Jameson's strongly gestural brushstrokes in acrylic reinforce the brief text's consciously affirmative tone; the gentle appeal behind the words and art far outweighs the actual presentation. (Picture book. 3+)