Gino Badino

Badino Pasta is in trouble. Bigger companies are producing more pasta more quickly, and selling it more cheaply. Every Badino must lend a hand (or paw--the Badinos are mice), and young Gino's job is to sweep the factory at the end of the day. But alas, Gino has an artist's soul: instead of sweeping, he spends his time molding animals from bits of leftover pasta dough. And though Gino's creations win praise from his teachers and friends, they cause conflict at home. But when some of the little creatures accidentally wind up in store-bound boxes, they prove a hit. The author/illustrator of the Josephina books and The Little Lump of Clay presents a delightful extended family (in which ``my little linguine'' is a term of endearment), and cooks up an easy-to-swallow message about the good things that can come from following your heart. Ages 4-up. (Mar.)