Mary, Mary

Mary Mary (who, not surprisingly, is quite contrary) isn't afraid of anything --not even the giant who lives on a hill overlooking town. To prove her bravery, she marches up the hill one day, and discovers that the giant is not nasty and mean, but sad and lonely. And his house is a mess--littered with dishes in need of washing, clothes in need of mending and pottery in need of gluing. Mary Mary declares that what the giant needs is ``managing,'' and she appoints herself to the task. In no time at all, the giant--and his house--are sparkling clean, and the two hatch a plan to show the townsfolk how kind the giant is. He becomes a one-man playground on which the delighted children frolic--swinging on swings hanging from his fingers and toes, sliding down his legs and playing hide-and-seek in his hair. Hayes is a superb storyteller who deftly uses understatement and humor in her tale. Equally impressive are Craig's amusingly detailed pictures--especially those featuring the amiable giant. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)