Big David, Little David

Author of YA classics The Outsiders and That Was Then, This Is Now, Hinton shifts easily into picture-book gear in this genuinely funny look at the unorthodox dilemma facing a likable youngster named Nick. On his first day of kindergarten, the child meets a classmate who, like Nick's dad, has black hair, wears glasses and is named David. ""He's not you, is he?"" asks a perplexed Nick at bedtime. His jokester father's response (""Oh, yes, that's me"")-and his jovial mother's collusion-set Nick off on a string of imaginative musings until Parent's Night at school, when Big David and Little David appear together in the same place. Hinton gives her tale an innovative twist as clever Nick manages to get the last laugh ... and quite a big one at that. Filled with diverting details, Daniel's (Good Families Don't) festively colored, effectively hyperbolic art is high in kid appeal. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)