The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Enlisting a clean design and a straightforward approach, this comely retelling revivifies an old, familiar tale. All the original elements remain intact, down to the significant ``TRIT-TROT, TRIT-TROT,'' as each goat passes over the troll-inhabited wooden bridge. Arnold's goat-heroes are as natural and winsome as his troll-nemesis is taciturn and suspicious. Well-honed page-turns augmented by charming character progressions make this version particularly accessible. The inherent satisfaction of the trickster theme is heightened by cool-hued watercolors, which are given a sculptural feel through use of meticulous cross-hatching. The Rocky Mountain setting is conveyed in its pristine beauty, endowing the book with the timelessness befitting a classic. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)