Someplace Else

A white-haired lady with wanderlust finally acts upon her lifelong yearning to live ``someplace else.'' Leaving her surprised son Wes and her house by a rolling orchard, Mrs. Tillby drives off in her old green truck. She samples a variety of locales, spending time in a city, a seashore and the mountains by visiting her conveniently farflung family, son Les, daughter Tess and son Jackson and his wife, Bess. Just as Mrs. Tillby concludes that no place will ever suit her, the impulsive purchase of ``a shiny silver trailer'' provides a perfect solution for her dilemma: ``Mrs. Tillby is always home, and she is always someplace else.'' Curious youngsters, however, may wonder why Mrs. Tillby has waited so long to hit the road. Root's (The Araboolies of Liberty Street) mellow gouache illustrations, setting a nostalgic '40s mood, are the strongest elements of this book, whether depicting moments of family affection or breathtaking landscapes. Featuring a palette of soft teals and apricots, his light-drenched pages fairly glow. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)