took to spin the tale of `The Grandad Tree', it ultimately fell to Bermudian artist Sharon Wilson to bring to life on the pages the mental images they conjured up.

With a Bachelor's degree in Illustration and Design and a Master's degree in Art Education, Ms Wilson was more than equal to the task. Besides, she was already the successful illustrator of two children's books -- `The Day Goggo Went to Vote', and `Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story'.

What has evolved, following more than a year's work, is a beautifully wrought series of pastels, the warmth and humanity of which are so evocative that any adult turning its pages is bound to do so slowly -- lost in a flood of similar childhood memories.

The story revolves around two children, Leigh and brother Vin, and all the things they share with their beloved grandfather under a mature apple tree grown from a tiny seed. As the seasons change, so too does the tree.

Similarly, as the cycle of life goes on, changes occur and the children come to realise that while life is finite, memories last forever.

From beginning to end, it is clear that Ms Wilson has given careful thought to each of her beautiful illustrations, as have the publishers who devised the overall layout and page designs.

Interestingly, while the illustrator and author have never met (they have, however, spoken), it has not been an impediment to the synchronisation of their respective talents.

Just as Ms Cooke's words are gentle and sensitive, so too is Ms Wilson's art.

The result is a successful marriage of the two, and a quality which is immediately apparent and overwhelmingly good.

A marriage of talents Unlike many children's books which rely on bright, primary colours to attract and hold the young reader's attention, `The Grandad Tree' dwells in softer but equally effective tones. While Ms Wilson's illustrations have their own strength, the linen-like background for the text plays a significant role in the overall sense of pleasantness.

A classy addition to any children's library, `The Grandad Tree' is published in Great Britain by Walker Books, and in the United States by Candlewick Press. It has 12 facing pages of text and illustration inside a hard cover, over which the US edition sports a matching, glossy dust jacket. The authors and their publications are listed on the Internet at Amazon.com, and copies of `The Grandad Tree' will be available in local bookstores in the near future.