CAROUSEL

Since Daddy's not back, Alex is too upset to enjoy dressing up for her birthday, or even to appreciate the present he's left. Seizing the delicate toy carousel, she flounces off to bed, carelessly breaking off a zebra. Later, she ``wakes'' to see the carousel animals jumping out her window; following, she finds them waiting to give her a joyous series of rides. Come morning, the carousel is empty but Daddy's there to explain how angry he felt when his plane was late (but only because he was so happy to be coming home) and to help put the animals back. Cummings's depiction of the disappointed child being rude to the aunts who have come to help celebrate is refreshingly true to life, while the nuances of her emotions are also warmheartedly portrayed in the Coretta Scott King Award winner's vibrant realistic art. At the end, Daddy and morning arrive like the restorative breeze blowing in Alex's window. A likable, deceptively simple story that provides a fine model of clemency strengthening an already loving relationship. (Picture book. 4-8)