Ebb and Flo and the New Friend

Simmons (Come Along, Daisy; Daisy and the Egg) here applies her soft-hued, luminous paintings to the subject of jealousy. Ebb, a small dog, sits ""in her favorite spot"" in the bow of the girl Flo's boat as Flo's mother rows or tows it through the fens. One day, however, the pooch finds herself joined by Bird, who thereafter seems not only to take over Ebb's special place in the boat but also to push Ebb aside in the affections of Flo and her family. Even Granny plays favorites, giving Bird tidbits that once would have been Ebb's. When Bird disappears as suddenly as she had come, Ebb thinks her secret wish has been granted--until she finds herself missing Bird and, in the end, she is grateful for her return. The expressive and winsome animal friends convey a range of emotions--dismay, envy, loneliness and contentment--in their postures alone. And, as in the Daisy books, the vibrant visuals create a tangible sense of a private, intimate world among the rivers and reeds. However, the human characters--Simmons's first--are less compelling and memorable. Though the plot may be familiar, the tale is sweet and childlike, and older siblings especially will identify with Ebb's plight. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)