THE LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES

There’s no getting around the surreal, mosaic quality of this tale, with its odd juxtapositions and dream illogic. But it made a fun opera, and it makes a rather delightful tale for children, too. There’s a prince who has never laughed, but he laughs at the sight of the witch Fata Morgana’s knickers (which are orange, ruffled and covered with amoeboid shapes). She is not pleased, and curses him to fall in love—with three oranges. Those oranges contain princesses, it turns out, two of whom perish for lack of moisture. Fata Morgana turns the third into a rat (briefly), but she’s restored, the witch banished and a wedding takes place. Gaudasinska’s peachy illustrations are just right: a palette of green gold, brown and orange; rounded forms with elongated limbs and doll- or mask-like faces; an absurd sense of proportion and space. Children (and adults) willing to set aside logic for a time will enjoy themselves mightily. (Picture book. 5-9)