Lizzy and Skunk

In her amiable debut picture book as both author and artist, Fitzpatrick (illus. of The Long March) introduces a wild-haired girl who is nearly inseparable from her alter ego and hand puppet, Skunk. While Skunk stresses the positive, the child expresses her anxieties; to Skunk's question ""Isn't life wonderful?"" the child responds, ""But scary."" As long as the puppet is on her hand, Lizzy forgets her fears and manages such feats as zipping down the sidewalk on in-line skates and shaking off stage fright to perform in the school show. But when Skunk disappears, she has to summon up courage on her own. Fitzpatrick's pictures let readers in on the secret of the puppet's whereabouts, as Lizzy searches for her beloved companion under the bed (even though it's dark there) and in the attic (even though there are spiders there). In a satisfying if predictable role reversal at tale's end, Skunk--whom Lizzy bravely rescues from a tree branch--admits that life can be scary while his young owner promises, ""I'll take care of you."" A reassuring story with an upbeat message about overcoming fears. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)