Gulliver in Lilliput

In a sterling picture-book adaptation of a literary classic, Hodges (The Hero of Bremen) and Root (Boots and His Brothers) dextrously retell the first part of Gulliver's Travels. Gulliver's shipwreck, his capture by Lilliputians, his role in the war with Blefuscu (over which end of a boiled egg one should open) and his return to England are all concisely narrated. Swift's political satire shines gently through, as does his sense of fun: the contents of Gulliver's pockets are described from the perspective of a six-inch person, with sepia-toned paintings of the actual objects an effective counterpoint. Art and text indeed mesh throughout, and such details as little-end and big-end egg statuary in the opposing nations add humor and child appeal. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)