A BIG TRIP FOR THE MORRISONS

The Morrisons, a family of friendly alligators (A New House for the Morrisons, 1993) are back, and this time they're off on a world tour. All three of them are excited on the way to the airport, but Mr. and Mrs. Morrison start complaining as soon as they get on the plane: ``Our seats are too small.'' In China there are too many tourists, France's food is strange, Russia is too cold, Egypt is too hot—the text is the litany of their complaints. Meanwhile, their son Albert doesn't say a word, but every line-and- watercolor scene shows him enjoying himself to the hilt, and therein lies the humor of this delightful book. On the plane Albert plays happily in the aisle, takes full advantage of the luscious dessert tray in France, skates in Russia, etc. In a final turn of events, Albert's parents, who have grumbled right through return customs, tell all their friends what a great trip they had. Text and illustrations work exceptionally well together; observant readers will find plenty of details to tickle them: the flying saucer taking off at the airport, an alligator-shaped Statue of Liberty, and more. (Picture book. 2-6)