Lend Me Your Wings

Sister Fish looks up from the depths of her river and longs to swim in the sky. Brother Bird peers down at the ``other sky,'' a stretch of blue river he wants to explore. So she takes his wings, and he gains her fins, and soon each is soaring or swimming through the other's world. Then Brother Bird becomes breathless, and Sister Fish's wings get heavy, so they each return to their natural habitats. But she occasionally leaps out of the water, mystifying the other fish, and he frequently dip-dips his wings, piquing the curiosity of fellow birds. The story's sentiments are confused; both fish and bird seem completely at home in their new worlds. Only at the very last second do either of them experience difficulties that make them switch back. Readers will understand what Sister Fish gains, but Brother Bird's improved way of flying isn't clear in either text or illustration. This modest work is easy to pass up. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)