Go in and Out the Window

This lavish, appealing compendium at first seems a little intimidating, but it's soon apparent that it has been edited with much humor and sensitivity. Workssculpture, needlework, oil paintings and othersfrom the Metropolitan Museum of Art have been paired with over 60 familiar children's songs and hymns. ""Amazing Grace'' is coupled with a detail from Gauguin's Orana Maria, ``Eensy Weensy Spider'' is illustrated with a picture of a spider from Flowers and Birds by the Japanese artist Taki Katei, ``Home on the Range'' features a detail from The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak by Albert Bierstadt. A lively commentary about the selection of art or music accompanies each song. This is a splendid album, with thoughtful combinations that take into account a child's natural inclination toward color and rhythm. All ages. (November)