Henry and Horace Clean Up

This brisk little German import about a neatnik and his slob of a neighbor may travel familiar territory thematically, but it is relayed with unusual warmth. Durr's watercolors positively radiate good will, setting a jaunty tone. A pig in every sense of the word, Henry gets fed up with living in disarray: ""It was just too much of a pigsty-even for a pig."" In a burst of tidiness he bamboozles his elephant friend Horace into helping him move out all of his belongings so that he can clean house. Before long, Horace's own once-immaculate home is overflowing with Henry's clutter, so much so that Horace is literally trapped. Henry rushes to the rescue and, to make up for his thoughtlessness, offers to share his ""secret treasure"" (a chest of picture books). Mennel's lighthearted take on friendship is much bolstered by the illustrations. Durr's well-padded animals and their well-padded furniture-and even Henry's jumble-project coziness, as in her view of the two friends perched companionably on Henry's treasure chest, their plump posteriors facing the reader, as they gaze at the stars. Certain to prompt a smile. Ages 5-8. (Nov.)