The Day the TV Blew Up

When Ralph Bean's TV blows up, the boy does not know what to do. Neighbor Thelma Meeserminder suggests going to the library, but Ralph has never heard of a library. Booksfor free? What a concept! ``Is it legal?'' asks Ralph. First Ralph hangs out in a tree out in front of the library to observe the comings and goings. He is impressed with the quiet in the library; he spies a creature from outer space at a nearby table, reading a book entitled How to Repair Your Spaceship. After spending some time poking around, Ralph leaves the library with three selections of his own: TV Repair Made Difficult, Catherine Zambini Girl Lion Tamer and Crime and Punishment. Later in the day, Ralph's friend Thelma suggests going to the park. ``What on earth is a park?'' asks Ralph. West successfully pokes fun at the very real and sometimes severe limitations that a life of constant television can engender, without seeming too preachy. The book is enlivened by humorous two-color illustrations of Ralph and his rehabilitation. Ages 7-10. (April)