THE MAGIC VASE

A Greenaway medalist noted for her dramatic use of design contrives a sophisticated fable. A greedy art dealer pays a Native American potter a few dollars for a beautiful vase he believes will make his collection the best in the world, but she, in turn, has tricked him: the pot is composed of a coiled snake and decorated with other real animals who all come to life and chide the dealer, pointing out that whatever he owns will belong to someone else after his death. Somehow, this reforms the dealer by teaching him the true value of all things. The message demands an audience mature enough to understand that works of art may have fabulous monetary value; the flamboyantly handsome illustrations, with their two adult characters, make it appropriate for older children or even adults. (Picture book. 7+)