Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors

In the Newbery Medalist's first picture book, simple paintings--mostly of fruits, vegetables and animals--introduce colors to young readers. Accompanying each illustration are several lines of text, which range from the banal (``A pumpkin is all orange, but not all orange is a pumpkin.'') to the more imaginative and humorous (``When you see a lot of gray shaped like an elephant, it is one.''). The book's title seems to be little more than an indulgent device, since Todd, the author's grandson, is pictured on only four pages. In addition, children may wonder what makes these 11 colors ``great'': the selection is certainly from a standard spectrum. Considering the many similar books available on the topic, this Book of Great Colors falls short of being a great book of colors. Ages 2-5. (Feb.)