Peter's Song

The talents of newcomer Saul and veteran illustrator de Groat ( Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth ) mesh splendidly in this buoyant tale of a pert piglet. Peter is very proud of the song he has composed, but all the barnyard animals (including his mother, who is napping) are too preoccupied to listen to him sing it. So the resolute porker goes off in search of someone who will appreciate his tune. At a nearby pond, he encounters Frank the frog, who not only listens to Peter's song, but shares his own. Finally, the new friends make music together, as ``Peter sang songs in his sweet high piggy voice and Frank sang in his rich low froggy voice.'' Though Saul's endearing narrative is an impressive first effort, it is de Groat's paintings--capturing nature's distinctive hues as well as Peter's engaging expressions--that steal this show. Ages 3-6. (June)