TILLY AND THE RHINOCEROS

Tilly, a goose, is naturally kind; her friends can always count on her for solace and friendly assistance. When Gregor, a rhinoceros, blocks the way to the market, destroying the animals' goods and demanding that they respond to his impossible riddles, Tilly doesn't even try to guess; instead, she wonders how Gregor feels, brings him a pillow and, when it begins to snow, a feather comforter. Singing lullabies from their childhood, the two become friends and—incidentally and inadvertently—Tilly also happens on the answer to the latest riddle, although it no longer matters: Gregor is friendly now. The logic here is as rigorously developed as a parable's, but Samton's engaging storytelling voice that softens the message, while her collage-like illustrations—textured cutouts on a white ground—are bright and clean. The sensible little goose and the bumptious, mellowing rhino are especially appealing. A good choice for group sharing. (Picture book. 4-8)