WILLY THE CHAMP

Willie (of Willy the Wimp) is a small, meek, and peaceable gorilla, a wimp in a world full of showoffs and bullies. But when the biggest bully of all attacks, Willie inadvertently emerges the victor and becomes a neighborhood hero. He also apologizes to the victim and asks if he's all right. Browne's books on Willie are winners: like this one, they address universal situations from a childlike point of view; gorillas are appealing to the young; and Browne's paintings are beautifully designed. He uses detail sparingly but always to good purpose. Clean, clear, and full of humor, they bring to life the story suggested in the lean, pungent text.