Mealtime

The high points of an ordinary day are investigated in these companion books. In Bathtime , a pair of sturdy, apple-cheeked siblings are in need of a scrub at the end of a busy day of play. Readers follow them into the bathroom, where they undress and hop into the tub. Afterward, Mother reads them a story and tucks them into bed. In Mealtime , the action centers on a typical family meal, with peeks at two special-time meals as well: a picnic and a birthday party. The format of both books consists of descriptions of the everyday activities interspersed with questions like: ``What soup do you like best?'' ``What clothes do you put on after bathtime?'' Roffey's illustrations are full of charm, loaded with familiar details that preschoolers are sure to respond to. An especially nice touch is the double-page spread in each book of objects for readers to pick out and identify. Ages 2-4. (Mar.)