Jennifer's Room

From first to final page, this fantasy sustains a whimsical spirit. Initially, Jennifer sits in a cozy brown chair reading a book, and the mood is calm. But Utton's (The Bible Storybook, reviewed below) watercolor images have a slippery quality-they shift like changing cloud patterns, or like a child's imagination. As Jennifer grows restless, strange things happen. The soft chair turns into a seated pink elephant; flowers on the wall become thunder clouds and blow away in the wind; Jennifer and the elephant-chair brace themselves against the gale as the teddy bear is bowled over. Despite such curious happenings, Jennifer makes no move to escape-the room's metamorphoses are exciting but non-threatening, and Jennifer herself soon sprouts butterfly wings and happily flits ``to the top of the page.'' Conventional details-a castle, an open treasure chest, and tropical fish-add to the spectacular illusion. Jennifer's mother's call finally breaks the spell, but the elephant waves enthusiastically as Jennifer opens the door to leave. Throughout, Utton's zesty palette matches his playful attitude. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)