Little Little Sister

``Once upon a while ago, not so very long ago--and far away, but not so far that you couldn't walk there in a week or so--there lived a farmer and his wife.'' This whimsical opening introduces Curry's tale of a contented couple and their son, whose cozy routine is ideal except for one thing--the lack of a daughter. But one night, their wish is granted by the appearance of a `` little little sister'' (a bit larger than Thumbelina) who magically grows from some apple seeds. The new family member is fearless and clever and longs to see the world, whereas Big Brother is strong but not so clever. One day, in an attempt to widen her horizons, Little Sister hides in her brother's pocket. Thinking she is the voice of his conscience, Brother successfully sells a cow and saves the farm animals from a flash flood. The family agrees that ``the wide world may be no place for either . . . alone'' but that together Big Brother and Little Sister make a splendid, practical pair. Blegvad's intricately detailed pen-and-ink drawings with color wash add an old-fashioned touch to a fanciful tale that grows more endearing with each telling. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)