TWO'S COMPANY

A whimsical but respectful look at the anxieties faced by a small child whose parent is remarrying. Maddy likes her prospective stepfather but hates sharing her mother's time and attention. She counters their wedding plans by announcing that she is also getting married to her best friend, Little Adam Zurka, a (stuffed? real? imaginary?—kids won't care!) lizard who lives under her pillow. A shopping trip for Maddy's wedding dress (sky blue with sparkles) is the occasion for the girl to share her fears and for her mother to reassure her: ``Things won't be the same, I know. But nothing in the whole world could ever change how much I love you.'' The last spread shows a happy outdoor wedding. The sprightly pen-and-ink sketches are filled in with cheerful spring colors. Once Little Adam Zurka has been introduced, readers will like going back to find him in the earlier pictures. Light without being silly, serious yet not solemn, Benjamin's first book hits all the right notes. (Picture book. 3-8)