Alligator Arrived with Apples: A Potluck Alphabet Feast

A menagerie of exotic partygoers introduces the alphabet as it shows up, laden with vegetarian fare, for a stupendous Thanksgiving gorge. Guests range from a dragon and deer who pedal a tandem while bringing diced dates, to an Australian wombat who has ""whipped up wild rice and walnuts with wine.'' Everyone is shown with place cards at the meal's start, which helps to identify such attendees as the iguana, llama and the quetzal. The two host pigs conclude ``we ate our way from A to Z'' as the diners contentedly doze off afterward. All the delectables are arranged in alphabetical order and labeled on a spread at the front of the book, which (like a menu) hints at the goodies to come. Aruego and Dewey's bouncy illustrations give this meal a carnival-like merriment, making this a jubilant feast for the eyes. Ages 5-8. (September)