Surprise Party: 6

Surprises abound in Carter's ( How Many Bugs in a Box? ) fanciful guessing-game book, which he has filled with engaging alliterations, tongue-twisting questions, colorful windows with flaps that open and elaborate, ingenious pop-ups. The opening spread shows Mr. and Mrs. Alligator approaching their house. Lifting flaps to peek through the windows, readers see bits and pieces of some of the creatures inside--waiting for a party to begin. Questions are asked in order to make little ones guess the identity of these guests. The answer is found on the following spread, out of which pop four intertwined ``silly snakes with ice cream and cakes!'' Subsequently, additional partygoers emerge: ``beautiful birds with bright blue boxes'' and ``fabulous frogs with frosty fruit punch.'' As a final surprise, the small, speckled egg that has appeared throughout the book ``hatches'' to reveal the guest of honor. A thoroughly enjoyable celebration. All ages. (Oct.)