LUCKY RUSSELL

In his first solo book, the illustrator of Grandpa's Song (1991) tells a familiar story: a kitten, longing for an important job, volunteers for one farm task after another (``You're too cute,'' barks the dog. ``You gotta have a mean look and a low growl to protect the farm'') until the farmer points out what a fine playmate he makes for a little girl. What's special here is the individuality of Sneed's animals—as revealed in their brisk conversations and in energetic watercolors notable for their intimate close-ups and angled perspectives; a creatively posed take of little Russell peering into the huge, gently bent face of a horse from between his enormous hooves is worth the price of the book. An unusual and original barnyard tour. (Picture book. 3-7)