Come with Me

Wolff's picture books always deliver far more than one might expect from their simple concepts; her newest work is no exception. The title page depicts an appealing border collie, sure to elicit instant affection from children and parents alike. On the next spread a boy sits on a porch, looking sad and lonely. Then, while holding the tiny puppy in his arms, the boy anticipates an end to loneliness, describing everything he and the puppy will do together once she's big enough to ``come with me.'' Beautiful watercolors depicting the California bay where the boy lives turn this simple story into a visual delight. Unpretentious and compassionate, Come with Me is a perfect laptime book. Ages 3-7. (May)