Dear Annie

Caseley ( When Grandpa Came to Stay ; Molly Pink ) uses an innovative framework to convey the loving relationship between Annie and her Grandpa: the two communicate primarily through letters. When Annie was born, his first letter arrived, welcoming her to the world. While Annie is still too young to write back, her mother answers Grandpa's notes. But when the girl grows old enough to write to her grandfather, the two become devoted penpals. When Annie brings her box of letters from Grandpa into school, it is clear that hers is the most special show-and-tell. Though Caseley's characters are somewhat restrained in their facial expressions, she skillfully imitates several art styles in her detailed renditions of Grandpa's notecards. The full-toned watercolors are as heartwarming as the book's message, which will be especially reassuring to children who are separated by distance from their grandparents. Ages 4-up. (Aug.)