The Present

In this droll though somewhat wordy tale, Emberley ( Ruby ) introduces readers to the difficulties of gift-giving. Looking like Happy of Snow White fame, an endearing Uncle Arne finds the perfect gift for Tove, his young nephew--so perfect, in fact, that Uncle Arne decides to keep it for himself. Feeling slightly guilty, he then constructs a bicycle for Tove, a gift he himself will surely not covet, for bike riding is hardly his forte. Or is it? Emberley's gentle, homey watercolors are particularly winning in their use of an innovative technique in which multiple small images convey the impression of movement and ongoing action. Whether or not children will understand this concept does not really matter, for they are sure to enjoy the busy scenes--especially the chaos that Uncle Arne causes at the market. Ages 4-8. (May)