ROSIE AND THE YELLOW RIBBON

When Rosie's favorite new ribbon disappears on her sixth birthday, she accuses best friend Lucille, who angrily denies taking it and stops coming over to play. But nothing is fun without Lucille to share it—not the birthday cake, or popcorn and lemonade at the friendly nearby grocery, or watching the sparrows nesting above the store. Lucille rebuffs Rosie's peace overtures until a blustery day when the wind blows down the sparrows' nest and both girls rush to save it. There, with the unbroken eggs, is Rosie's ribbon. ``I'm sorry, Lucille,'' Rosie says simply, and they walk home hand in hand to share the leftover cake. Like a Sesame Street episode with its urban setting and interracial cast, this simple story of conflict between friends is illustrated with bright drawings in an appealing magenta-and-yellow palette. A good discussion-starter for kindergartners and first-graders—as well as a nice debut for the author. (Picture book. 4-7)