Noly Poly Rabbit Tail and Me

In this impressive debut, Smith conveys a familiarity with--and a fondness for--children. The story is told from the perspective of a girl who speaks in a natural, conversational voice that will immediately draw young readers into the tale of her favorite doll, Noly Poly Rabbit Tail. The much-loved stuffed animal is the girl's constant playmate, and offers comfort in times of trouble--when she is stung by a bumblebee, when she comes down with the chickenpox and when her parents go off to Portugal, leaving the girl and her brother with Meanstet cap M Mrs. Dean. But when Noly is forgotten at Grandma's house, her owner must endure five lonely days without her rabbit, which is eventually returned by mail. Smith's delightfully detailed pastel pictures are as engaging as her text. Little ones will love spotting books and blocks under the sofa and stray socks and toys under the beds. Ages 3 - 8. (Sept.)