Hilda Hen's Search

Unruffled by the discovery that the henhouse is full, Hilda Hen calmly sets off in search of a nest of her own. Each time she finds a cozy prospect, however, something crops up to keep her from staying to hatch her eggs: straw that's too scratchy, an abundance of kittens, laundry, wind, noise, and so on. Finally, she spies the perfect spot for herself-a dollhouse-and settles down to raise her chicks. First-time author/artist Wormell makes a splendid debut with this gentle tale, masterfully illustrated with bold linocuts. Her art has a comforting solidity, and the chunky lines, jaunty color and unabashedly old-fashioned charm declare this book a winner for preschoolers. Ages 2-6. (Oct.)