SOLVED. Children's Picture Book - Pastel Illustrations - Two brothers (shepherds) - published before 2000's. [s]

[Heather]

Hello,

I am presenting a question on behalf of one of the patrons at the library where I work at. Here is the information they have provided:

- picture book
- borrowed sometime in the 2000s that I'd love to find again—
I'm afraid I remember only pieces of the story and that the illustrations seemed a bit impressionistic, like they might have been done in pastels. Although I've searched the catalog, the keywords I'm using aren't turning it up.

- The story, as best I remember, was about two brothers, one rich and one a poor shepherd with two or three dogs. One winter, the brothers come across an unconscious woman in the woods, and the poor brother takes her home to care for her. I think she vanishes one day. At the very end of the book, there's an illustration of the woman leaning in a sunlit doorway wreathed in roses. I can't quite remember if it was this book, but I think the rich brother may have been cursed with a coal that makes sure his house is always cold no matter how much he builds up the fire.

[Becca]

The Maiden on the Moor by Marilyn Singer?

[Heather]

We have confirmation from patron that this was indeed the book. We appreciate the quick response!