THE LETTUCE LEAF BIRTHDAY LETTER
by Linda Taylor & illustrated by Julie Durrell
Duck paints a lettuce leaf masterpiece for his friend Goose's birthday, and hands it to the postrabbit with instructions to deliver the missive posthaste. But Rabbit is an absent-minded cottontail and quickly forgets the lettuce's destination. He offers it to everyone on his route; each hands it back; he rewards each with a small act of kindness. If not for Durrell's snappy, daffy artwork, the story would dissolve in utterly forgettable sugariness. Her zany, detailed tableaux keep the whole thing afloat. (Picture book. 3-7)