FLAPSTICK!

Elegant, lighthearted fun: ``10 Ridiculous Rhymes with Flaps''—e.g., ``The maestro Leopardo/Sat down to play some Bach./It sounded very pleasant/But smelled like an old—'' (grand piano lid lifts to reveal a sock). The visual and verbal clues will lead most readers to anticipate the answers—plus offer enough difficulty for a feeling of accomplishment (a key's on the back). Best are Agee's comical, boldly limned illustrations in a cartoony style distinguished by expressive figures, inventive use of space, and a striking yet subtle palette. Sturdy pages and construction, but nowhere to accommodate library fixtures without disrupting an essential spread. (Picture book. 3-8)