Donald Says Thumbs

This book handles the problem of thumb-sucking with sensitivity and tact. Donald enjoys sucking his thumb when he's tired or sad. But he also takes pride in the fact that he is growing up, and he knowspartly because other kids have teased him about itthat sucking his thumb is ""babyish.'' Finally Donald tells his father that he's going to stop sucking his thumb. ``If that's what you want, fine. But don't worry about it,'' the father says. ``You'll stop sucking your thumb when you're ready to.'' With his parents' support, Donald gradually learns to say ``thumbs down.'' Parents can learn a lot from Cooney (The Blanket That Had to Go, who recognizes that only inwardly motivated change allows children to grow. And children will find a real friend in Donald. Ages 5-8. (April)