Barney Bipple's Magic Dandelions

This kind of story absolutely charms children. Barney Bipple's neighbor, Miss Minerva Merkle, gives him three magic dandelions as a reward for his return of a lost diamond. She cautions: ``Stick to simple wishes.'' Barney immediately wishes he were eight instead of six; no one recognizes him. He wishes his dog could talk; Snoozer only complains about dog food. He wishes for a long, shiny yellow car, but the police pull him over and then his Mom doesn't even know him. A call to Miss Merkle helps Barney reverse his wishes and steers him toward less complicated magic. The book closes with glimpses of Barney's ``simple wishes'' for a bike, a baby brother, a frog or a pony. Kellogg's illustrations are humorously detailed and add just the right touch to a funny and thoroughly enjoyable book. Ages 5-9. (Oct.)