THE FUTURE OF YEN-TZU

In a tale that LC terms ``traditional Chinese'' (though no source is given), a humble hero's adventures assume the fortunately/unfortunately pattern: Yen-tzu sets out with a horse to seek his future; the horse runs away but comes back with a mare; the mare throws him, injuring his leg, but his limp keeps him from being impressed by the soldiers who steal both horses. Mistaken for a wise man by the Emperor, Yen-tzu's clumsy explanations are read as riddling prophecies, with the fortuitous result that the Emperor calls off his impending war. The flat style of Henstra's pen-and-watercolor art is undramatic and not easily read; though close examination reveals his skill, these pictures are not especially effective as illustration. The story, however, with its clear, economical narration and an outcome that is both logical and peaceable, is unusually strong. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)