WAKE UP, BIG BARN!

"Wake up, Big Barn!/ Cock-a-doodle-doo!/ Piggies love/ a mud bath./ Hee-haw, hee-haw!/ Moo, moo, moo!" In her debut picture book Chitwood (a former art teacher) charts the daily flow of farm life with rhythmic, onomatopoeic text. But it's her dynamic torn-paper collage that really makes an impression. A red rooster crafted out of images recycled from the pages of clothing catalogues and magazines, for example, flaunts feathers of dress plaids, fleece and autumnal foliage. Later, a peacock's blue plumage (featuring blue-and-white checks, a traditional floral motif and a blue-and-yellow Hawaiian print) fans out from its small body, which appears to be rendered from a swatch of knitted wool. The overall compositions, comprised of many tiny details, remain balanced and electric. In the final spread, close inspection reveals zippers, seams and catalogue copy in yellow barn doors ("Good night,/ Big Barn!/ Good night, you!") This sure-fire read aloud, with Chitwood's musical beat accompanied by stimulating illustrations, will get kids grooving. An auspicious beginning. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)