Oh, Little Jack

Though not as innovative as Moore's Six-Dinner Sid , this is a fetching story by an accomplished raconteur. With his cottontail protruding from his overalls--and wearing a spiffy pair of turquoise shoes--a young rabbit tries his hardest to help his mother pull onions out of the ground, sweep up the falling leaves for his father, fly his big brother's kite and ride in his older sister's go-cart. But each of his (somewhat repetitive) attempts proves futile, and Little Jack is repeatedly told that he is ``too small'' to take part in these activities. When he complains to his grandfather, the kind man reveals something ``he had been fixing''--a red tricycle that Little Jack is ``just the right size'' to ride. Kids who are the youngest in their families will identify with Little Jack's frustration and be cheered by the story's outcome. The golden colors of autumn dominate Moore's heartwarming pictures of this genial rabbit clan. With their soothing pastels and soft focus, they lend a timeless feel to this beguiling yarn. Ages 3-up. (May)