Enzo the Wonderfish CL

Wilcox ( Andrew Jessup ) makes her writing debut with this competently illustrated but lackluster story. An indirect, long-winded beginning establishes that the nameless narrator, the youngest in her family, has pined in vain for a pet. Half-hearted wordplay (``I begged for a dog''; `` `I can't stand to see a bird in a cage,' said Mom, and flew off in a huff'') misses the mark as the story continues. Finally, on her birthday, the girl receives Enzo the goldfish. Determined to make the most of her new pet, she finds a library book called ``Training Your Pet'' and valiantly tries to teach the fish various commands (fetch, heel, stay). Unfortunately, Enzo learns only one lesson--how to leap out of the fishbowl. Yes, a goldfish found after escaping its watery home (landing, in this case, belly-up in a teacup) sometimes revives, but luck needs to be in its favor. When the inert Enzo resumes swimming and the narrator attributes this feat to his ability to ``play dead,'' young readers will be intrigued--and knowledgeable folks may have to start keeping an eye on the aquarium. A few too many false moves. Ages 4-7. (Mar.)