Brave Georgie Goat

In one concise volume, Roche (Loo-Loo, Boo, and Art You Can Do) successfully tackles a trio of pivotal early child-development issues: separation anxiety, loss of a transitional object and fear of the dark. His protagonist, a brown female goat toddler named Georgie, triumphs in each episode, but not without some authentic, well-observed struggles. For example, in the story, ""Georgie Goat's Mommy Goes,"" the youngster starts slipping on her own coat so she can leave for work, too. ""But if you go without me, how do I know you'll come back?"" she tells Mommy Goat. Several observations reassure her as she watches a bird leave its nest and return, the sun duck behind a cloud and reappear and finally Mommy coming home from work. The characters' behavior should strike a chord with most children: the grown-ups are comforting without condescension, and Georgie possesses just the right mix of vulnerability and pluckiness. The simplicity of Roche's thickly outlined naif-cartoon style exudes an undeniable poignancy, and his use of bold, dense colors in pictures diversely framed with ample white space makes for a sprightly visual pace. Ages 2-4. (Oct.)