THE HUBBUB ABOVE

A heavenly quiet on the 52nd floor, high above chaotic Manhattan, is shattered when the new upstairs neighbors turn out to be elephants. Sydney’s high sanctuary from the city’s din becomes a sounding board for the great clomping and booming voices from above. When Sydney can stand no more, she heads up for a confrontational visit that turns into an invitation to one of the floor-pounding parties. “All the guests were party animals,” says Sydney, a little girl, of the zebras, rhinos and kangaroos. Still, Sydney delicately mentions that if the elephants, et al. could be just a bit quieter, she sure would be happy. They are delighted to oblige, reminding her that elephants never forget. Howard’s sherbet-colored, highly atmospheric art serves as the perfect setting for this graceful treatment of good neighborly relations. The United Nations could use a Sydney—most households could, too. (Picture book. 3-7)