Lucky Morning

A summer week spent vacationing in Montana proves enlightening for young Nora and her grandparents in this quiet picture book. When Nora and Granddaddy head to the river on a fishing expedition, they reel in more than the catch of the day. Along the road they happen to sight a deer, a bear and a moose--among other things--in all the splendor of their natural habitats. Without being didactic, Noll ( I Have a Loose Tooth ) intimates that Nora's brush with wildlife has kindled a lasting appreciation within her. Although there's not much of a plot here, beginning readers can meet the challenge of spotting animals with Nora, and they can easily follow along with the large, bold typeface. A cozy, comforting tone helps portray a loving intergenerational relationship, while the sprightly gouache and colored-pencil artwork depicts a sunny green countryside dotted with friendly creatures--a tempting destination for any traveler. Ages 3-up. (Mar.)