ALL YOUR OWN TEETH

P is for Painter, which young Stewart is determined to be. P is also for Particular, which he turns out to be after deciding to interview animals in search of the perfect model. “Wanted: Hansum wild animal to sit still for painting. Must have all your own teeth and a nice big smile.” Unfamiliar with most wild animals, he drives off Elegant Elephant, Charming Cheetah, Graceful Giraffe, and Handsome Hippo with insults, but finds crocodile’s toothy smile Pretty Persuasive. P is also for Postmodern, as in Gale’s busy arrays of flat, scribbly, painted figures over rubber-stamp impressions, clipped fragments of ledger paper, and printed items. And, finally, as the snotty, self-styled “arteest” disappears down his reptilian gullet, crocodile comments Perspicuously: “ ‘P is for Painter, and P is for Picnic . . . How Perfect.’ ” Children will chuckle over this archly delivered cautionary tale—and for Gale, P is for a Promising American debut. (Picture book. 7-9)