BYE-BYE, BABY

There was once a baby who had no mommy,"" begins this beguiling story in the cadence of a comfortable old tale. Tired of looking after himself, the baby sets out to find a parent, collecting along the way (in classic style) several creatures who explain that they are not his mommy, but decide to join him. A mommy is finally found, of course, as well as a house and an uncle who reads a story about a baby who has no daddy--setting off a second successful quest. Told in disarmingly direct language, the story is beautifully complemented by its endearing illustrations: the earnest baby diapering himself, picnicking with his new friends, or cosily ensconced in his new family. A real charmer that should become a perennial favorite.