In Between

Familiar scenes and objects teach the concept of ``in between.'' On a spread appear two objects: ``A cupboard is here'' on one page and ``The stove is there,'' opposite it. The next spread shows the whole scene with an addition: ``Our table is in between,'' with cupboard and stove on either side of it. The spreads are effective because adults and children sharing the book can name the objects ``in between.'' But a child alone will have difficulty recalling the previous pages and then recognizing the relationship between the three objects. One set of spreads is particularly confusing, because the objects are not distinctly separate: ``A head is here, a tail is there. My dog is in between.'' Colorful pictures, repetitive language and large, bold print is en gaging, but the concept does not hold up under close scrutiny. Ages 2-5. (Sept.)