Bun and Mrs. Tubby

This simple picture book gently and reassuringly dramatizes a situation of universal concern to young childrenbeing left in a babysitter's care. Bun at first stubbornly refuses kindly Mrs. Tubby's efforts to draw him out: "" `Do you want to play?' asks Mrs. Tubby. `No,' says Bun. `Will you show me your toys?' asks Mrs. Tubby. `No,' says Bun. `I don't want to.' '' He even hides, but Mrs. Tubby wisely treats this as a game, and they become friends through playing hide-and-seek that ensues. From here things go smoothly, and the two enjoy an amiable companionship until Bun has been fed, bathed, read to and tucked in. Paterson uses bold, colorful paper cutouts to portray her elephant characters and manages to endow them with both warmth and expressionnot always an easy feat in this medium. Her text is spare and direct, and rings exactly true. Ages 1-5. (August)