Sam Helps Out

These quirky and original imports from Britain feature Sam, a diaper-clad toddler who walks unscathed through a sea of trouble. The books are lift-the-flaps that pose dilemmas on a right-hand gatefold page and require the reader to turn to the next page to see what happens. For example, on one flap, Sam announces, ""I like to go out shopping, too. We need some beansthis can will do.'' He pulls a can from the bottom of the stack; the resulting havoc is shown on the next page. Although Faulkner's story lines are fairly predictable, Lambert's illustrations are filled with bizarre and funny details. And readers will learn the value of suspending disbelief in the name of a good visual punchline. Ages 3-6. (April)