BRUNO THE CARPENTER

Readers meet an initially disorganized Bruno, a chubby beaver, as he measures, saws, drills, screws, hammers, and glues together a project in his workshop. His tools are shown in precise close-ups as they come into play, depicted in clean, full-page illustrations. These pictures alternate with dear scenes of Bruno building--readers learn--a very professional-looking toolbox. The uncluttered illustrations are rendered in watercolors and colored pencils; the text is fresh, straightforward, and gracefully to the point. Nice touches include a set of plans for the project and a last scene of a satisfied Bruno drinking tea with cinnamon rolls. He's a lovable hero in a neat little book.