Thomas in Trouble

""Thomas T for Trouble was in trouble again.'' This time, however, his mother has had enough, and she sends him to his room for the afternoon. While Thomas stares out his window at the lovely spring day, he decides to run away. He hurries down to the river, builds a raft and sets sail. But Thomas has no way of steering the raft, and now he's really in trouble. Mr. Badger rescues Thomas, who scampers home, puts on his warmest, coziest sweatshirt and climbs into bed before his mother discovers he's been gone. Most childrenat one time or anotherdecide to run away, and most will readily identify with Thomas's initial feeling of triumph and, later, his chagrin when his plans go awry. Da Rif's flat, pastel watercolors, with pen-and-ink lines, add charm and humor to Thomas's adventures. Ages 5-8. (March)