RICKY, ROCKY, AND RINGO COUNT ON PIZZA; RICKY, ROCKY, AND RINGO GO TO THE MOON; RICKY, ROCKY, AND RINGO ON TV; RICKY, ROCKY, AND RINGO'S COLORFUL DAY

These four titles are part of Crown's ""It's Great to Read and Learn"" series which, based on the evidence presented here, has nowhere to go but up. The books comprise the adventures of a group of animal friends (a rhinoceros, a racoon, and a bird, possibly a crow). Basic skills are incorporated into two titles (counting and learning colors); the other two are nonsensical flights into technological farce. All the books are illustrated in cartoon-like drawings rendered in garish colors. Although the words are set in large type, there is no attempt at controlled vocabulary, the author having settled for a confusion between simple and simple-minded. The result is a condescending series which will serve no purpose other than to deflect well-meaning but uninformed adults from other, worthier books which will better introduce children to the joys of reading.