PETEY AND MISS MAGIC

Petey's a grade-school charmer who so aches for a pet that he even considers, briefly, adopting the weevils that have infested his mother's cornmeal. But there isn't room in his crowded apartment for his family, let alone a real pet; and there are his sister's oft-announced allergies to consider as well. When Petey finds an earthworm in the park, his yearnings are satisfied, while his written eloquence regarding ``Miss Magic'' earns him a spot and winnings on a TV show. Dorman makes Petey's longings palpable; his fondness for Miss Magic—and all creatures—comes through in almost every breath. The adults in his life—hard-working parents and live-in Great-aunt Flora—are believably distracted by their less-than-comfortable financial circumstances; Petey must rely on himself for solutions. The ending is a bit glossy—but why shouldn't Petey find success? His concerns may be narrow, but his efforts are sincere. The same could be said of this book. (Fiction. 8-10)