The Barber's Cutting Edge

In this unremarkable but likable tale featuring an African American cast, Rashaad goes to get a haircut and ends up getting help with his homework, as well as some study tips, from irrepressible Mr. Bigalow, the best barber in town. While Mr. Bigalow gives Rashaad the ``Special Deluxe,'' Rashaad quizzes the barber on his class vocabulary list (``My man,'' says Mr. Bigalow, ``you know that words are what I've always been good at''). It doesn't take Rashaad long to discover the barber's secret ""cutting edge""-the dictionary he keeps in the back room. First-time author Battle-Lavert sets a casual tone through use of the vernacular, readily conveying the easy friendships between the barber, the boy and the waiting customers, while the orange, brown and red hues of Holbert's workmanlike illustrations visually bolster the story's warmth. Ages 6-12. (Oct.)