THE HAPPY HEDGEHOG BAND

Harry Hedgehog makes himself a drum; Helen likes the sound and makes another, as do two more hedgehogs—each drum with its own distinctive sound (``Ratta-tat-tat''; ``BOOM''). The four create an uproar that brings out a slew of other animals, not to complain but to join in. The dependable Waddell's simple, expertly fashioned tale has just a touch of humor and is full of pleasing onomatopoeic words. Rendered in soft pencil and watercolor, Barton's creatures are truly engaging, especially the round-bellied hedgehogs (Helen's prickles are ornamented with cherries), while the festivities occur in an inviting grove of huge trees with trunks of tender green. For an intriguing contrast, pair this light-hearted merriment with Marie Hall Ets's pensive In the Forest (1944). (Picture book. 3-8)