For Our Children: A Book to Benefit the Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Featuring artwork donated by several celebrated illustrators, this collection of 20 song lyrics is intended to benefit the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, to which all profits and royalties will be donated. (An accompanying album, sold separately, has been recorded by rock and pop stars). The engaging cover art is by Ariel Glaser, a child who died of AIDS--and the daughter of Elizabeth Glaser, a cofounder of the PAF. Inside are such inspired pairings as ``Itsy Bitsy Spider'' with Jerry Pinkney's fastidious insect complete with umbrella and yellow slicker, and Thacher Hurd's grinning alligator overseeing a bubbling caldron of ``Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips.'' A combination of reprints and new pieces, the book's artwork includes contributions by Barry Moser, Chris Van Allsburg, Steven Kellogg, Audrey Wood and Alice and Martin Provensen. Even with its minor faults--titles and authors are separated from the list of performing artists; lyricists' names are omitted entirely; and musical notation is limited to five songs--the book's unexpected, playful inclusions and the worthy cause to which it is dedicated should make it a popular title. All ages. (Aug.)