Annabelle and the Big Slide

Pocock's first book is a tale of childhood bravery, as Annabelle makes a major decision. She has watched all summer as ``the big kids climbed up the ladder,'' then had a riotous ride down the slide. With a kiss for her doll, Annabelle carefully makes the ascent, pauses long enough to realize there's no going back, and then--down she goes, picking up speed, wind ruffling her hair, arriving safely at journey's end. Undaunted, the intrepid Annabelle is seen climbing the ladder again at the book's reassuring conclusion. Youngsters will be rooting for the plucky heroine every step of the way, in this bright and breezy escapade that delights with its simple story and sunny paper collages; even the endpapers add a cheery touch. Ages 2-5. (Oct.)