Each One Special

At the center of Wishinsky's (Oonga Boonga) sweet trifle of a tale is Harry, a kind baker and decorator of cakes who makes ""each one special."" But new owners who take over the bakery have no use for Harry's time-consuming practice. Out of work, the baker spends most of his time in front of the TV, until young Ben asks for his help fashioning a cowboy from modeling clay and Harry discovers his talent in another medium. Before long, the two are in business selling their brightly painted clay sculptures, ""each one special."" Though Wishinsky only fleetingly describes Harry's pride in his craft, she convincingly shapes an endearing rapport between Harry and Ben. Zimmermann's (Whatever You Do Don't Go Near That Canoe) art makes effective use of color, setting Harry's vividly hued culinary and clay creations against much paler, predominantly pastel backdrops. Compensating for the artist's occasionally sketchy background figures are his close-up images of Harry and Ben, which convey their mutual affection. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)