LIZZIE'S LIST

Spurred by a friend's boasting about her grandma, nine-year- old Lizzie—who has no grandparents and lives alone with her mother—sets out to acquire relatives. In an entertainingly believable scene, she makes friends with nice Mrs. Peabody despite ``Mom's'' strict rules about speaking to strangers; once Mom is placated (Mrs. Peabody offers references), the retired school principal, whose own grandchildren are in Australia, is ``adopted,'' and makes a refreshing contrast to Lizzie's stereotypical expectations. One thing leads to another, and by Christmas Lizzie has a fine extended ``family.'' Some of the events are a bit contrived (especially those concerning the younger child Lizzie befriends despite his rowdy sibs), and Americanization has made the British setting needlessly bland; but assertive Lizzie is a likable character, while the lively dialogue, large type, open format, and deft pen drawings are sure to appeal. (Fiction. 7-11)