Little Bird

Whimsy and simplicity are the essence of this beguiling book, the ideal remedy for an indecisive day. Pirotta and Butler have fashioned a totally childlike pastoral excursion in which the peppy protagonist questions a variety of creatures, ``What can I do today?'' Each respondent suggests characteristic activities (the duck proposes paddling; the cow, munching; etc.) and the bird attempts to follow suit. The charm here lies primarily in the appropriately rudimentary illustrations--beginning with the appealing avian, a circular blue creature (always viewed in profile) with spindly black legs, a round, oversized eye, a wing outlined in white and a bright yellow beak. The other characters are equally amiable, and the sunny scenery looks as though it came from a school pageant. A perfectly perky performance. Ages 2-up. (May)