BELINDA

Bessie milks Belinda every day, while Old Tom grows vegetables; but when Bessie goes to visit her daughter, Old Tom is to do the milking. ``There's a good girl,'' he croons, whereupon Belinda declares her intentions with ``one almighty kick.'' She's faster than he is, and also smart enough to snatch the carrot he offers before escaping. But Old Tom is clever: Disguising himself as Bessie, he gets milk for himself as well as the family dog, cat, and pig; and the only evidence, when Bessie comes home, is mud on the hem of her dress. Allen's lively story is as succinct and neatly honed as a folktale, while her deftly designed illustrations—pen-and-watercolor figures silhouetted on clean, white pages—are splendidly witty. Plump, cheery Bessie is a fine foil for bearded, bald-topped Tom, whose slight, agile figure is amusingly repeated across the spreads, counterpointed by his rope or his flying bucket. A delightful offering from this much-honored New Zealander/Australian; perfect to share with a group. (Picture book. 3-8)