Hotel Animal

Hard-edged illustrations that nonetheless recall early cartoon animation make DuQuette's ( Happy as a Tapir ) venture into the four-legged kingdom something of a mixed bag. After lots of hard work, bright-green Camille and Leon Lizardo decide they deserve some time off, so they drive to ``the Hotel Animal, the favorite vacation spot for animals around the world.'' Once there, though, Camille and Leon can't relax; despite the adaptability their names suggest, they simply don't fit in. Size discrimination greets them at every turn: they can't reach a doorknob, they're caught in a tidal wave when a hippo leaps into the pool, and Camille is carried off the dance floor by a helium balloon. Although Leon is crazed with worry, the balloon accident turns out to have fortunate consequences--Camille, lifted to the attic, finds a cozy dollhouse. DuQuette's text is repetitious at times. For example, he calls most animals in the hotel ``guests'' rather than naming each according to species. This practice has further drawbacks, as not every animal here can be easily identified; two pandas, a baboon and a tortoise are recognizable, but there are others who may be gnus (or maybe gnot). Overall, this tale of the vertically challenged comes up short. Ages 3-8. (Apr.)