Nico

In this alluring tale set in a tropical forest, Borovsky ( George ; The Blabbermouths ) presents a timeless and worthy moral. Nico is an ape who scours the forest daily for nuts, berries and fruit, filling his basket with far more food than he can use. When storms destroy the dwellings of several animals, the others pitch in to help them rebuild. But not Nico: he's too busy greedily gathering food. One day the selfish ape collects one mango too many, and his treehouse collapses under the weight of his hoard. When his neighbors offer assistance, a puzzled Nico replies, ``I never helped any of you when you needed me. Why would you help me?'' The toucan's simple response captures the essence of Borovsky's message: ``Because you need us now.'' Nico, of course, is never again too preoccupied to lend a hand--and from then on he shares his bounty. Featuring the variegated greens and browns of the rain forest, Borovsky's finely rendered art stars animals whose personalities will grow on youngsters with repeated encounters. Among the many winning nuggets of humor are scenes of Nico fastidiously taking his daily food inventory, and toasting his friends at a feast celebrating his new home. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)