How Giraffe Got Such a Long Neck: 2..and Why Rhino Is So Grumpy

This gorgeous book may not lead to a movie deal for its author, but might well bring a great wallpaper deal for its illustrator. Clementson's vibrantly hued, densely patterned cut-paper compositions have soared in wit and personableness since his last collaboration with Rosen, How Animals Got Their Colors. Happily, this tale is neatly told verbally as well as visually. ``In the beginning of the beginning Giraffe wasn't as tall as the trees. She was more like a deer, lean and quick and no taller than a bush.'' But drought comes, drying up all but the highest leaves in the trees. When Giraffe and Rhino ask Man to help them reach the trees, he gives them a magic herb. Rhino forgets to eat his, and so Giraffe imbibes both portions, resulting in a doubly long neck and a cranky Rhino. Although this is a traditional tale in East Africa, it is tendered here with markedly unconventional style. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)