The 46 Little Men

Beginning with the clever endpaper introduction to its stars, this perky, mostly wordless picture-book fantasy features miniature people who make their home in a painting on a nursery wall. ``One day Professor P. and his friend Morrison open the brown suitcase and find two nails, a rope ladder and a map of the Island of the Elves. . . .'' The men descend from their picture perch and, initially pursued by the family cat, explore and cavort in a series of highly detailed, enchanting--even enchanted--landscapes. Youngsters will enjoy sorting out the characters and deciphering the plot contained in these pages rich with visual clues. Reminiscent of 1930s cartoon zaniness, this quirky work is just offbeat enough to connect with the younger siblings of Waldo fans. Ages 3-up. (May)