Thieves/Peck's Pocket

A satisfying tale of villainy renounced, Euvremer's ( After Dark ) latest book stars three thieves: Croc, who steals edibles; Brac, who ``fancies bric-a-brac''; and sturdy Stoc, who could cart a piano across town as easy ``as moving checkers across a board.'' After the shifty trio of animals has practically cleaned out the town of Peck's Pocket, they steal a plant-- captigonia scoundrelis --that first ensnares them in a leafy prison and then reforms them--by subtly instilling in these culprits a passion for gardening. Like jumble in an antique store, Euvremer's distinctive, detailed drawings reward those who look carefully. The thieves' house is piled high with purloined property--quaint figurines, watermelon, teapots, purses, peacock feathers--and the text contains deliciously droll language that surprises at every turn. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)