Gertie and Gumbo

Novak (Mouse TV) mines his latest picture book from the same joyfully nonsensical vein as Elmer Blunt's Open House. Gertie Goomba, the round-nosed, pigtailed heroine of this buoyant tale, lives ""in the swampy South with her papa and five big alligators."" In an old barn, Gertie's father, Salvatore, entertains tourists by ""wrestling"" his domesticated gators. Left alone much of the time, Gertie practices the piano and dances--and becomes quite an accomplished performer. When the egg laid by one of the alligators hatches, Gertie has company at last. She diligently cares for the baby alligator, named Gumbo, who is pictured devouring inedible objects, popping out of the toilet and learning to dance and play the piano. Gumbo's skills come in handy when Salvatore hurts his toe and cannot perform his wrestling act. After the hatchling is an instant success on stage, the five older gators don top hats and tails and join the act--which becomes an international sensation. As lighthearted as his text, Novak's energetic, acrylic paintings are presented in panels that will bring on lots of giggles. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)