The Beaver Boys

Pryor's ( Amanda & April ; The House on Maple Street ) latest recounts the escapades of two thoroughly likable beaver brothers--Chopper, the older and (of course) bossier, and Woody, his ever-eager shadow. A noteworthy feature here is the work's division into three separate stories--a chapter book for the picture book set. In ``Moving,'' the willing but bumbling brothers try to help Papa build a new house. On their first day of school, Chopper experiences ``Love'' when he loses his heart to a comely classmate. And in ``Company for Dinner''--the book's snappiest scenario--the siblings narrowly escape getting into big trouble when Mama asks them to mind the baby while she goes to the store. Pryor's dialogue perfectly captures sibling interplay, and her stories subtly deliver worthwhile messages about making friends and doing one's part in a family. Making her debut as an illustrator, Baker contributes vibrant paintings that add many jolly touches as they convey familial affection. Her watery, somewhat undefined artwork is clear and appealing enough for kids and stylized enough to hold parents' interest as well. Ages 4-up. (Mar.)