THE LEGEND OF LEELANAU

Another successful collaboration from the author and illustrator of The Legend of Sleepy Bear, this 18th-century tale was originally retold as “Leelinau, or The Lost Daughter” by an Indian agent. The many variations all describe the flight of a young girl who chooses to live among the Pukwudjininees—fairies—in their enchanted wood, rather than leave her childhood and marry the man her parents have chosen. “For childhood passes much too fast . . . it comes—and then it’s gone.” Wargin's version is a fluid retelling that even young listeners will comprehend and older readers will enjoy. Lush greens, browns, and gold colors dominate the double-page spreads with the lovely Leelinau depicted as a child just bordering on womanhood. An author's note explains that this tale also accounts for the origin of the name of Leelanau County in Michigan. (Picture book/folktale. 6-10)