The Cherry Pie Baby

Annie gets more than she bargained for in this cheerfully illustrated picture book. She wants a baby brother, but what she gets (after swapping five cherry pies for Beau's brother Claude) is trouble. Annie is surprised when Claude doesn't behave like a well-mannered doll. He scatters and breaks her toys; he whimpers and cries until Annie stuffs a bedroom slipper in his mouth. Annie feels cheated, and wants to cry. But all is put to rights: Claude is returned to his mother, and Annie finds a new friend just her size. Chorao's story is lilting and funny; her pastel drawings of the terrier-like characters are detailed and engaging. From the turn-of-the-century pie wagon to Annie's raspberry tea party, readers will find this story absolutely delicious. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)