Overnight at Mary Bloom's

It's been too long since our last sojourn At Mary Bloom's, but she's back, and her latest episode is just as irresistible and sprightly as the first one. A little girl receives an invitation for an overnight visit and accepts immediately. Mary Bloom, who clearly has not lost her sense of childhood fun, presides over a cozy and wonderful home. Complete with a cuddly baby, two sheepdogs, a cat, an owl, a rabbit, a skunk, mice, gerbils, hamsters, a monkey and a talking crow named Lucas, a visit with Mary Bloom is a kid's idea of adventure, creative play and independence. Aliki's now-familiar technique of full color with ink outline conveys the fun and excitement of every kid's sleepover dream. Ages 4-8. (August)