BIG PANDA, LITTLE PANDA

Once a new Little Panda is born, Mom begins to call the former Little Panda ``Big Panda,'' a role he gladly assumes. But though he pitches in with baby care and other chores, the new Big Panda misses the special attention he used to enjoy; he also notices that both he and his mother are tired. A playful day's outing with Little Panda cheers them both, though they're weary afterwards; and Big Panda discovers that, when Mom is too exhausted to read to him, he can read to his baby sister. Stimson's simple narrative nicely clarifies these human feelings in panda terms; but best here are the appealing illustrations of bright-eyed, pillow-soft pandas going about their very human activities. A good addition to a tirelessly augmented genre. (Picture book. 3-7)