The Tale of Tiki Tiger: Kingfisher Foldout

Though short on plot, these four titles in the Kingfisher Foldouts series feature an undeniably innovative format. Made of sturdy, coated stock, the front and back covers fold out to reveal a horizontal rendition of the spotlighted animal. The midsection of each creature is repeated on each double-page spread, framing the text and illustrations. Unfortunately, youngsters need a second pair of hands in order to keep the covers folded out and simultaneously turn the pages, since the design of the book will be lost on readers unless the covers remain extended. Set in four different animal environments, Wiltshire's stories are minimal: Bella discovers a small, pink dinosaur to play with; in the barnyard, Pepper's straw hat is devoured by goats when it flies off her head during a sneeze; and Tiki has no time to cavort with the other jungle creatures as he makes his way to the river to lead the jamboree boat parade. More substantive and endearing is the story of Gus, who stomps around the forest, sniffing and snarling ``in a grumbly-mumbly way.'' None of the gifts the animals give him can snap him out of his dark mood, until Baby Rabbit gives him ``a side-splitting, grumbly-busting bear hug.'' Punctuated with splashes of bright color, Wiltshire's art is simple and cheerful. Ages 2-5. (Oct.)