Rachel Fistr Blistr CL

Whatever is to be done? Rachel Fister is ailing, and the pandemonium caused by her ``tiny little blister'' is a joy to behold--and hear. MacDonald's sparkling tale has the exceptional virtue of making her verse seem effortless. ``Pastor Masters / called for plasters--/ six or eight or ten or three. / Farmer Chalmer / was much calmer-- / he suggested broccoli.'' From far and wide come the blister ``experts,'' as the rabbi, maid, vicar, Doctor Proctor and fireman (Roger Byreman) rush pell-mell to aid the beleaguered girl. Appropriately enough, it takes royalty to put forth the perfect remedy: Queen Alice offers a simple, if somewhat cryptic, solution. It's difficult to believe that this book is a collaboration, so perfectly matched are the text and art. Priceman's ( Friend or Frog ) harum-scarum drawings run riot over the pages, and her characters' concern for Rachel's plight is lunacy itself--all are manic in their panic. Ages 2-8. (Sept.)