Scarecrow!

Just in time for autumn harvests comes this nifty nonfiction picture book that sings the praises--and history--of scarecrows. Eleven brief (mostly single-page) chapters illuminate the facts and lore behind this practical crop guardian. Readers learn interesting tidbits such as: British children were once hired to chase the birds away from the fields, and that ``live bird scarers'' are still used in parts of India and the Middle East. Various types of gardens are mentioned and directions for constructing a scarecrow are included. Littlewood has placed her bounteous information into a singularly pleasing format. Each spread consists of a sumptuous watercolor painting facing a page containing text and complementary black-and-white cross-hatched drawings. Despite this becoming design, readers at the appropriate age level for the material may be put off by the picture-book format, which generally appeals to younger children. This thoughtful approach shouldn't be lost in the shuffle. Ages 7-11. (Sept.)