Little Pickle

Children love the tension of a harrowing situation or two, and they love the relief that comes from the reassuring arms of a parentright in the nick of time. In one of the most delightful picture books of the spring, new artist Collington creates a precarious adventure starring Little Pickle, a young girl. After a typical mischief-filled morning, she dozes in her stroller, then dreams that she and Mother have switched places. Pushing Mother, who is asleep in the stroller, Little Pickle boards a train and contentedly watches out the window while the train rumbles toward an unknown destination. Reaching the shore, Little Pickle parks her sleeping Mother on the dock, climbs aboard a rubber raft, and falls fast asleep in the roaring sea. In a satisfying conclusion, she's rescued by friendly sailors and is finally returned to Mother, who is just waking up. Children won't tire of this story and lucky for parents it's a wordless one, so youngsters can manage it alone. (36)