Apple Pie and Onions

Caseley retains a firm hold on her readers' affections, thanks to the artless charm of such tenderly funny picture books as Molly Pink, My Sister Celia and When Grandpa Came. This new story is presented in brightly colored pictures of a city block where the child Rebecca visits her Grandma. Rebecca enjoys their shopping trip until Grandma stops to converse loudly, in a strange language, with an old friend. Sensing the little girl's embarrassment, Grandma tells about the time (portrayed in more muted shades) when she was young and ashamed of her father, who was toting sacks of potatoes and onions. But at home, she says, ""Papa kissed me and we had tea together.'' To show her understanding and to apologize, Rebecca takes tea with Grandma and helps make an apple pie; cut into the crust is a note, ``I love Grandma.'' Ages 6-9. (March)