Oink CL

Geisert ( Pigs from A-Z ) is back with another exceptional pig tale: one in which his pigs communicate, most eloquently, through that word-of-many-meanings, ``Oink.'' The story begins with a stretch, a yawn and an ``Oink!'' for Mother Pig and her little ones--nine oinks in all before a brisk walk and playful mud bath. While Mother Pig naps, the piglets roam in search of forbidden fruits (literally); soon their gentle oinks are transformed into great whoops of excitement. In turn, of course, such unruly squeals waken Mother Pig and the consequences must be faced. Children of all ages will love this porcine family, so appealingly etched in pale pink and black and white. The droll illustrations exude an understated hilarity--and who would have thought that a near-wordless picture book could be quite so noisy, or so much fun. All ages. (Apr.)