Children's Books

HOW THUNDER AND LIGHTNING CAME TO BE, retold by Beatrice Orcutt Harrell with collages by Susan L. Roth. Dial Books for Young Readers, 375 Hudson St., N.Y., NY 10014, (212) 366-2000, (212) 366-2666 FAX. Illustrated, uthor's note. 32 pp., $14.99 cloth. 0-8037-1748-2

In her first published book, Choctaw writer Harrell tells the story of two foolish birds (one is big and slow, the other small and fast but clumsy) who are told by the Sun Father to warn his people about approaching weather disturbances. First, one leans out of the clouds and yells loudly. Next, they try running from village to village. The solution, of course, comes by accident, and the Sun Father is pleased at the birds inventiveness. The story is virtually taken-over, however, by Roth's vibrant collages - especially the bright, crackling lightning. I'm looking forward to more from this team. Grade: A-. Reviewed by Steve Brock

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