The Giant Zucchini

Eager to bag a blue ribbon at the county fair (``It is our big chance''), pals Edgar Mouse and Robert Squirrel plant a huge zucchini seed in their garden in hopes of producing a correspondingly enormous vegetable. The fruit of their labors, alas, is only a``teeny zucchini''--though this wee wonder demonstrates unique abilities. Edgar and Robert, confident of success with their exceptional entry, hadn't anticipated Humphrey Hog, a sneaky swine who will go to any lengths to ensure his zucchini's victory. Siracusa imbues her droll tale with a touch of magic and a gentle charm. Illustrations in a rainbow of effulgent greens, yellows, oranges and magenta bring an especially endearing quality to this inventive scenario. The sight of various animals driving gargantuan cabbages, carrots et al. to the fair is laugh-out - loud funny; such comical touches in both text and pictures make this easy reader indeed a large-scale achievement. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)