Eat Up, Gemma

Toddler Gemma is urged to ``Eat up!'' But despite continual encouragement from her mother, father, grandmother and brother, Gemma refuses to comply. Instead she takes matters into her own hands: she throws her breakfast on the floor, squashes grapes one by one, bangs her spoon on the table and feeds her dinner to the dog. When Gemma finally does decide to eat, she chooses not only an unusual time and place but also a festively presented meal. Hayes first introduced the independent Gemma in Happy Christmas Gemma , and this second book is as warm and upbeat as the first. Exuberant, gaily colored illustrations complement the brief, concise text. Ages 2-6. (September)