Quack

Using only one word per page, Snow creates merry dramas in this cunning board book quartet. The appearance of a ``fox'' causes a duck and her brood to ``hide''; a plump porker goes through a ``gate'' into a ``yard,'' where he lands in a ``puddle'' with a resounding ``splash.'' These First Farmyard Tales begin by identifying the noisemaker in question (hen, pig, duck, dog) and end with the respective eponymous calls; in between, Snow finds abundant opportunity for teaching simple object and concept identification. Clear colors, simple lines and cross-hatching produce cheery, childlike artwork ideally suited to toddlers. A fitting addition to these creatures' cries will be the sounds of approval from a delighted audience. Ages 1-up. (Mar.)