TAKE IT TO THE QUEEN

Nobisso and Szegedi (The Weight of a Mass, 2002) team up again for another original tale vaguely incorporating concepts from Roman Catholic doctrine, this time in a story about a queen who represents an allegorical Virgin Mary. The lyrical prose describes a king and his paternal relationship with his favorite village. He selects a young, exemplary wife from this town, and prior to her marriage to the king an angel gives her a prophetic dream of a special son. This child grows up to be the Prince of Peace, who restores health and wealth to the king’s favored villagers after they suffer a decline springing from complacency. The story can be enjoyed on its own, without any reference to the underlying Christian parallels, although many readers will recognize the concepts of the Annunciation, the Communion table and the Roman Catholic idea of intercession. Szegedi’s striking illustrations combine acrylics with collage, all on textured sepia backgrounds that impart an antique air. Extensive notes explaining the religious symbolism, and allegorical interpretations are included on the reverse of the dust-jacket flaps. (author’s note) (Picture book. 8-12)