KINDA BLUE

"Missin' my papa," who died when she was a baby, Sissy's sitting in the yard of her family's Georgia farm, "feeling awful sorry for myself" and "Pokin' holes in the dirt for no good reason." Guessing she's lonely, Uncle Dan hoists her to his shoulder and takes her to talk to his "corn children," claiming they speak when the wind rustles their leaves and showing Sissy that they're all different—even the kernels aren't always yellow: one ear is red and blue. The image is overextended by the single droopy stalk needing extra care (more water); still, Sissy is warmly comforted, while Grifalconi—especially known for her African settings (The Village of Round and Square Houses, 1986, Caldecott Honor)—makes a welcome return to the US with her vibrant impressionistic art and gentle characterizations of these African-Americans. An appealing vignette. (Picture book. 4-8)