WHERE I LIVE

A board book entry in the four-book It's My World series (the others are What I Wear, ISBN 0-688-14147-1; What I See, 14146-3; and What I Eat, 14145-5). Named and illustrated are items relevant to the title (although some preschoolers may need explanation as to what the sun, moon, and flower have to do with where one lives). The illustrations are lively and unsentimental, original in the simple sophistication of the images. The fence and the door neatly employ perspective, the chair and the table show an artisan's touch, the house and window have the detailing of a fine old doll house. The palette is electric: Goennel (The Circus, 1992) puts a blue window on a fire-engine red background and a green table on a bold gold page. While not groundbreaking, these brash board books are visually hypnotic. (Picture book. 1-3)