A Walk to the Great Mystery — Virginia A. Stroud

In this eco-consciousness-raiser, Dustin and Rosie set out with Grandma Ann to solve a ``great mystery.'' Under the Cherokee medicine woman's tutelage, they study a sacred spiral carved naturally in a stone, sniff the essence of a tree (``It smells just like vanilla!'') and stand motionless before a hovering hummingbird. As the three proceed with respect, nature's artifacts and its living things offer up glimpses into the mystery-the spirit where all of life's powers come from. Some may think Grandma Ann's techniques odd-hugging trees (really), becoming one with a boulder-as Stroud (Doesn't Fall Off His Horse) gently but firmly focuses on the awe-inspiring power of nature. In her glowing acrylic and gouache paintings, the blues, teals and purples of the characters' clothing both contrast and handsomely blend with the luxuriant greens and browns of the woods. Except for round fuchsia spots that indicate cheekbones, the faces here are essentially featureless-a stylized rendering that reflects the individuality of Stroud's vision. Ages 5-up. (May)