Three Little Kittens in the Enchanted Forest, Pop-Up

Though the story and illustrations here are the stuff of Saturday morning TV cartoons, Johnston's elaborate paper engineering gives this collaboration charm and distinction. When the book is opened and book held upright, the spreads become miniature stage sets, with text printed on both the resulting backdrops and floors. The story begins as three felines famously bemoan the loss of their mittens. Rainbow (``a bird with rainbow-colored feathers'') tells them that a bird from Magic Mountain ``flew away with them into the enchanted forest.'' On their journey to reclaim the purloined paw covers, the kittens are helped by Rainbow's friends, each of whom offers a rhyming clue to the next step. Miss Muffet, Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Bears put in appearances, but the tale feels aimless and artificial. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)