Missing Molly

More likely to tickle kids on the younger end of the targeted audience, Jahn-Clough's (Alicia Has a Bad Day) lighthearted story introduces two best friends whose favorite game is hide-and-seek. When Simon complains that Molly's hiding places are too obvious, the girl takes quite a different tack. As Simon searches Molly's house for his missing playmate, a ""strange girl"" appears at the door wearing an oversize hat, sunglasses and a feather boa that covers much of her face. Simon doesn't recognize his pal but readers surely will--and they'll willingly join in the hoax as the disguised Molly helps him search for her. Jahn-Clough fills her amiable, rudimentary illustrations with a subtle hint or two (some boa feathers fall from Molly's bedspread when the boy looks under her bed) and playful particulars: a mouse peeks out from behind a paint can as Simon peers under the sink; the disguised Molly's red, high-heeled boots are shown clutching the trunk of a tree as her upper half disappears in the branches (""No Molly here,"" she reports). A fun frolic that ends in a happy reunion. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)