DEEP WOOD

Old Stripe, a badger, is the leader of a group of deep woodland creatures, and his ample mansion serves as a meeting and feasting place. His workroom is frted by Otter, the potter, who molds the jars to hold the 'baccy for others, as Old Stripe fashions briar pipes. The woodland feeling and the charming animals make a wonderful beginning for this book, but, besides the pipes and feasts, there is nothing very much that happens. Although it seems overlong and slow, it is a pleasant book for younger children in this age level, and Stephen Voorhies' illustrations in black and white are friendly and fun.