Big Squirrel & Little Rhinoceros

In the Land of a Thousand Shadows, the credo appears to be ``bigger is better.'' A charging rhinoceros, a roaring lion and a teeth - gnashing crocodile cause great distress for the smaller animals with whom they must live. Eager to get even with their inconsiderate neighbors, a squirrel, a mouse and a frog wish to become big. After a magical, chaotic switch, the giant squirrel has trouble climbing trees and finding a ``few hundred pounds of acorns'' to fill his newly huge belly. Meanwhile, the rhinoceros is humbled by being made small. Once the animals ``promise to be good friends,'' they return to their appropriate sizes. Although Damjan's text is somewhat didactic, the comical plot situations brighten this tale. De Beer's ( Little Polar Bear ) creatures have enormously expressive eyes that winsomely portray the dismay of their predicaments. The animals' size switch also allows for a pleasing variety of perspectives in the artwork. Youngsters will be reassured by the eventual triumph of compromise. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)