The Perfect Spot

A somewhat headstrong artist in search of ``just the right scene'' leads off the adventure in this slight picture book. Accompanied by his son--who has his own plans for exploring the woods--Dad brings paints, easel and a big canvas while the boy carries a net, jar and some shortbread. Dad's temper grows short as his ideal location keeps eluding him, so when the boy falls into a stream, he is sure he will be in trouble. But a good splash in the water cools everyone down and saves the afternoon. Blake's matter-of-fact text, narrated by the son, moves along briskly. Although most children will warm to the father-son excursion, some readers may be troubled by Dad's gruff, impatient manner. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Blake's ( Riptide ; Finding Foxes ) expansive watercolors--occasionally calling to mind the work of Ted Rand--that depict a quiet wooded world of interspersed sun and shade, where deer dart among the trees and rushing water provides the only sound. Ages 4-up. (Apr.)