The Monster Book of ABC Sounds

In Snow's unconventional alphabet book, a handful of small rats plays hide-and-seek throughout the house with a bevy of monsters of all colors, shapes and sizes. Each oversize page is devoted to a different letter, and shows the rodents diligently seeking out these inventively drawn creatures. As the buoyant, rhyming text describes each scene (``A monster pops out / from behind a small door, / while three cunning rats / sneak a look 'neath the floor''), the creatures emit noises beginning with the featured letter (``Aaaaah!''; ``Boo!''; ``Cooeee!''). Sprinkled throughout Snow's hectic, humorous pictures--as well as their borders--are objects that start with the letter in focus. Offering much to sound out and search for, this merry melange will keep youngsters busy--and amused--for long stretches of time. Ages 3-7. (May)