GANDHI

The latest in Fisher's series of black-and-white picture-book biographies (Marie Curie, 1994, etc.) follows the established format: It begins with a chronology and a map, followed by a dramatically illustrated and concisely worded account of Gandhi's life, sprinkled with short quotes from his writings; an afterword describes his assassination and his place in history. While there is no shortage of children's biographies of this charismatic and inspiring figure, what makes this one worth having is Fisher's meticulous skill at rendering the information honestly and memorably. The acrylic paintings make vivid India's varied landscapes, people, and philosophies, sketching powerful emotions from a flung arm or a cowering figure. (Picture book/biography. 8- 11)