GABBY GROWING UP
by Amy Hest & illustrated by Amy Schwartz
A sequel to The Purple Coat (1986) that is, on its own, a tender story. Gabrielle and her mother are taking the train to the city for haircuts and ice-skating, and to see Grandpa, whose birthday it is. Gabby worries: Will he like the orange mittens she made for him? Will he like her (she has had her braids lopped off, with a wish to be more grown-up and perky)? Of course he does, and he and Gabby's mother have a few surprises to share with her as well. The delights of a place that might be New York City (`` `Imagine a park smack in the middle of the city,' Gabby sang, `and a skating rink smack in the middle of that!' '') combine with the warmth of family ties, and a candy-colored palette. (Picture book. 4-8)