THE STORY OF MAY

The merry young month of May, scattering blossoms, loses her way and wanders into June—her Aunt June, from whom May now learns of her father's existence. ``He lives off at the other end of the year somewhere....Very far and very cold.'' May sets out to visit him, helped on her way by other relatives/months. When she finds her father December, he lovingly welcomes her and relates how, before the months were in order, he and May's mother, April, fell in love and married; but the clash of their temperaments forced them to separate. Promising to visit often, May finds her way on to April with the help of the intervening months. Gerstein's super- kinetic paintings capture the seasons' differing lights, moods, and weathers. The personifications are amusing: November is a cozy fireside granny, February a rotund figure skater with sniffles, March a harlequin swooping in on a huge kite. An enjoyable (if predictable) journey, with special meaning for children of estranged parents. (Young reader/Picture book. 5-8.)