Don't Tell the Whole World!

From the author and illustrator of It's Too Noisy! comes this sprightly retelling of a folktale about a woman who ``would always tell every secret, no matter how big or how small.'' Dressed in her long frock and bonnet, the effervescent Emma walks through town letting all kinds of information flow from her lips. Her husband, John, is not pleased when Emma announces that he wears flowered underwear, but he loves her so dearly that he forgives her immediately. Yet John faces a serious dilemma when he finds a box full of money while plowing his field. The money will let them pay rent to their crotchety landlord, Mr. Snood, but John is afraid to let Emma know about his discovery. In an appealing plot turn, Emma saves the day by doing what she does best--babbling profusely. Duke's pastel palette and affable characters lend snappy support to Cole's amusing text. This is fine story-telling, charmingly illustrated. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)