DONNA JEAN'S DISASTER

An unexceptional ""Concept Book"" about a little gig who must learn a poem to recite at a program for parents. Left to her own devices, Donna Jean might well have learned the poem and recited it without incident, although with some trepidation. But what with elder sister Rosemarie's taunts and put-downs, Mother's overanxious ""help,"" and Dad's impatience, she's such a nervous wreck by curtain time that she forgets every word. Only Uncle Oscar has faith in her; and when he turns up, belatedly, she's given a second chance, does fine, and wins a standing ovation. Apple's soft, full-page pencil drawings contribute some humor and characterization to the competent but rather plodding text. Otherwise, each character neatly fills his or her assigned role, rather like the kids in a school play who must portray apples or pears; but they lack the dimensions of real people. An adequate, if didactic, young reader.