The Rainbow Watchers

One of three titles to launch Lothrop Unlimiteds, a series of chapter books, this sequel to The Not-Anywhere House continues the escapades of Hannah and the Cuckoo Clock girls. Just ``two days, six hours and seven minutes'' ago, Hannah's family moved from the quiet countryside to the busy, bewildering city. Hannah is not quite certain she belongs, and feels ``as uncomfortable in the new house as in a new dress that was still shop-stiff and didn't fit her shape properly.'' Fortunately, two neighborhood girls and a jaunty local artist catch Hannah's interest. Jenny and Eliza watch rainbows for Mrs. Middlesome-Merry, who pays them seven pence for every rainbow they spot. Jenny explains this neighbor's eccentricity: ``She's a painter, and she says she takes color lessons from the rainbow.'' Hannah is fascinated, and when the girls invite her to become a rainbow watcher, she decides she might enjoy her new home after all. Colorful, crisply drawn characters brighten this snappy, upbeat tale--a perfect length for reluctant readers--set in urban England. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 6-up. (Oct.)