I WANT ANSWERS AND A PARACHUTE

When Matt and his little brother Jason fly from Phoenix to visit Dad and his new wife and stepdaughter in San Francisco, they're determined to be on their best behavior; meanwhile, Dad, wanting to make it a gala occasion, has planned a heavy two days of sightseeing. But though they're all genuinely glad to be together (Dad managed to see the boys monthly even after moving to another city), both sons are frazzled by the nonstop pace. When it's time to embark for whale-watching, Jason (whose many fears are comically introduced during the initial flight) can't face it. He hides, precipitating a healthy leveling: they've all been trying too hard: it's important to be honest as well. Significantly, when Dad gives Jason some real answers to his myriad questions, they help dispel his fears. It's good to have an easily read story where adjustments to new family arrangements are made with such goodwill and common sense. DiVito's frequent b&w illustrations resemble Sue Truesdell's in style; though they don't match Truesdell's impeccable eye and witty characterizations, they add nicely to the humor. (Fiction. 8-11)