Higgledy Piggledy Hobbledy Hoy

As a boy and girl lead a parade of instrument-toting animals, she recites a singsong rhyme: ``Higgledy piggledy hobbledy hoy, / A good little girl and a bad little boy.'' After listening to two more verses that reinforce her message, the disgruntled boy comes to a screeching halt--causing the animals to pile on top of one another--and declares it his turn now. Of course his version of the rhyme features a bad little girl and good little boy. Now the girl protests, but the sensible animals end the squabbling with a reminder: ``Stop! What about the picnic?'' The dispute is forgotten as a bountiful repast is shared by all. The verse's repetition and tongue-twisting nonsensical words will especially appeal to preschoolers; equally fetching are Kriegler's playful, pastel illustrations. Ages 3-up. (Mar.)