ROSY'S VISITORS

Hindley (Does a Cow Say Boo?, reviewed May 13) and Craig (the Angelina books) pay playful tribute to a child's imagination. Carrying her blanket and pillow and pulling a wagon filled with toys, Rosy announces, "Today is moving day. I'm going to find myself a whole new house." By the next spread she has located "a perfect house," which Craig presents as an immense hollow tree. After settling in, she creates a path to her door and hangs a bell in hopes that visitors will soon arrive. Then, gazing through a spyglass, Rosy views the hazy outline of a kingdom, its fanciful spires and onion-shaped domes visible in the distance. The visitors stream toward her, rendered by Craig as a parade of fairies—tiny folk astride flying birds and gaily hued bugs, animals and elaborately costumed youngsters—all bearing housewarming gifts, goodies to eat and garlands of flowers. Rosy's toys spring to life to enjoy the festivities as the guests assemble inside the magically enlarged tree house. A simple yet sweet tale, with straightforward text counterpointing the make-believe of the visuals. Ages 3-6. (June)