The Little Train-Board Book

Tucker adds to her characteristically colorful board book library with four stories starring different kinds of vehicles. Each is the hero, with no humans needed to serve as pilot, admiral, etc. The little plane, for example, goes ``up, up and away,'' meets a jumbo jet, loops the loop, then lands ``safely near the hangar''; the little boat sails ``past the big ships'' into the open sea, encounters sea creatures and weathers a storm before returning ``safely home.'' Car and Train are better for reading aloud, with lots of sound effects incorporated into the text. In every case, however, eye appeal gives these books their edge. Tucker makes knowing use of contrasting colors and a multitude of shapes: her spreads whir with activity but steer clear of overdrive, providing just the right amount of visual stimulation. Ages 2-5. (Feb.)