Max and the Great Blueness

If sincerity were a literary virtue, this picture book would be destined for distinction. But when attention is paid to other factors--for example, the ability to tell a story, an ear for language and a grasp of elementary draftsmanship--prospects dim. Max seems headed for a terrible, horrible, very bad day, and his suspicions are confirmed by the appearance of the Great Blueness, elsewhere identified as a ``big blue blob.'' Although the wide-eyed and goofy Blueness looks like an amiable enough sidekick, the text presents him as the incarnation of despair and Max strains to vanquish him. Big brother Dan gives Max a few tips (``First, eat up that French toast. The Great Blueness hates warm, full tummies'') and helps Max discover that ``the one thing the Great Blueness really can't stand is love.'' The epiphany rings as false as the perspectives in the markedly unaccomplished drawings. An altogether amateur effort. Ages 4-7. (Feb.)