WHEN VERA WAS SICK

In a picture-book memoir about a terrible case of spots (chicken pox, measles), Rosenberry tells about little Vera. She looks positively ghoulish_gaunt and persecuted_as does her mother and her doctor. Vera is sent into internal exile_the spare room of the house_for the duration. The room is dim, funky, and lonely, and Vera can think of nothing but scratching. Family members make fleeting visits, but mostly the sounds of normal life float up to her from downstairs_muted clatters, tinkles, and laughter. Gradually Vera recovers and rediscovers an interest in crayons, Chinese checkers, and custard. Later still, she gains her release. It is hard to imagine children being consoled by this story. Even though the text is sound, the illness is as drawn out as children believe it is, and the ending is reassuring, the illustrations make the experience frightening and endless. (Picture book. 4-8)