Snappity Snap!

Picture-taking has rarely been so complicated--or so much fun--as in this combination rebus and lift-the-flap story. Owl has invited his friends Mouse, Hedgehog, Snail and Rabbit to the carnival to help him try out his new camera, but something--or someone--seems to get in the way of each carefully arranged shot. Owl leaves Mouse's tail out of one picture, obscures another with his wing and endures other assorted mishaps. Flaps with question marks invite readers to count backward from 12 to figure out how many good pictures remain. The book's last three pages cleverly display the finished photographs, complete with blunders. Wyllie's narrative provides each character with a humorous and distinct personality while perfectly capturing Owl's frustration. Roffey's breezy, cartoon-like illustrations depict all the gaiety and bustle of a carnival and provide children the added challenge of identifying each character through amusing portraits. This ``how-not-to'' book is a thoroughly enjoyable romp. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)