Trouble with Gran

The trouble with Gran is that, beneath her grandmotherly exterior, she's an alienand a rather lively, headstrong one at that. Her young grandson is therefore apprehensive when his class undertakes an outing with the senior citizens' groupand, as it turns out, justifiably so. Gran quickly grows bored with the amusements at the dreary, aptly named resort of Wettisburg and decides to create a few diversions of her own. Mayhem ensues; but, as a finale, Gran whisks the group off to her home planet, a place so tropical and jolly that good will and merriment are speedily restored. Gran's mischievousness and her grandson's unstated but visible chagrin give rise to wacky illustrations, which hum with a jaunty energy all their own. The art is nicely balanced by Cole's straightforward, deadpan telling. A funny, satisfying sequel to The Trouble with Mom and The Trouble with Dad; one hopes other offbeat relatives wait in the wings. Ages 4-8. (September)