A Fruit & Vegetable Man

Ruby Rubenstein isn't just a produce man, he's an artist. ``I take care'' is his motto, and he's passionate about his work, pouring his soul into the eye-catching designs that make his market display a standout on Delano Street. But whether he wants to admit it or not, Ruby's getting on in years, and when he falls ill one day, it's a young admirer and his family who save the day. Ruby's reluctance to retire is offset by his pleasure at leaving his shop in good hands, those of Sun Ho, a budding fruit and vegetable man who proves that he also ``takes care.'' There's a sweet sense of continuity in Schotter's ( Bunny's Night Out ) simple tale, with old-style European immigrants passing the torch, as it were, to the new wave of immigrants, in this case an Asian family. Winter ( Come Out to Play ; Diego ) is an inspired choice as illustrator--she has a field day with the sleek shapes and rich colors of Ruby's produce, and the results look luscious enough to eat. As irresistible as a ripe peach. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)