Missing Dinosaur Kitten Kids

DePaola fans who expect delightful sequels to the Kitten Kids board books (published last year by Simon & Schuster) are in for a disappointment. Although these new tales are based on characters he created, they are fairly successful imitations of the author/artist's bold line drawings and color washes. The design and format of the books seem to be intended for the younger preschool set, yet the text in each tale is overlong, appearing dense and dark against the page; in addition, the dialogue is rather wooden, and the stories are convoluted. Rather self-consciously ``cute'' and slick, the collection has a certain undeniable appeal: the illustrations are in bright pastels and the price is affordable. But discerning dePaola fans should beware. Ages 3-6. (April)