The Chick's Trick: 9

In this sportive tale of turnabout, two resourceful chicks solve the problem of their constantly bickering mama hens. Mrs. Heckle and Mrs. Peckle are ``always trying to outdo one another'' as they argue over the merits of their respective eggs, their baked goods (``I'm busy making the best pink chiffon, chocolate swirl cake you've ever seen'') and, of course, their offspring. Fed up with the squabbling, little Sweet Pea and Napoleon hatch a plot to bamboozle their parents and put an end to the ongoing fracas. Using softly colored pastoral watercolors and cheery patterns, Bassett sets her story in a cozy barnyard that abounds in homey details. Her sweetly anthropomorphized stars head up a merry menagerie indeed. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)