Lizard's Home

This lively sequel to Lizard's Song will have preschoolers cheering for the book's small but intrepid hero. When Lizard finds Snake curled up on his rock, he says politely, ""I'm afraid you've made a mistake. Everybody knows this rock is my home."" But the arrogant Snake answers with a hiss, ""I don't make mistakes. I found it. I'll keep it."" After trying various strategies (wishing, taking the rock back in Snake's absence), Lizard gets Snake to agree to a contest, and then, knowing Snake will cheat, outwits him. Aruego and Dewey's characteristic art, favoring high-intensity colors and cartoonlike lines, supports a cast of appealing and expressive characters. The menacing glint of his eyes signals right away that the red-and-orange striped Snake is a villain through and through, while sweet Lizard, true to his nature, does not even gloat at the end. Buoyant and affirming, especially for children who have had to deal with their own snakes in the grass. Ages 4-up. (Sept.)