Valentine Foxes

Four little foxes spend a day of mischief and mishaps making valentines and a cake under Mama Fox's not-too-effective supervision. Glue, lace and red paper bits wind up all over over the place. While Mama tries unsuccessfully to put the baby fox, Little Dilly, down for a nap, siblings Zandy, Pandy and Poot try to finish the cake, but they can't read the recipe. The place is a mess by the time Papa Fox comes home, but he doesn't mind. He is loaded down with presents. The plot's only real moments of tension come when the children lose Papa's valentine and when the future delectability of the cake is uncertain. But there is a happy, ongoing disarray that is appealing, and the shambles of the house are best reflected in Mama Fox's comment: ``The whole room looks like a Valentine!'' Rosy, pleasant illustrations accompany the story, as does a recipe for pound cake. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)