ABUELA

Rosalba imagines how the grandmother who takes her to the park might soar with her over the city (New York), sharing the sights. Since ``Abuela'' speaks ``mostly Spanish,'' Rosalba mentions many Spanish words for what they see, and in their conversations. Though the storyline here is slight, the relationship glows with affection; the Spanish vocabulary is well integrated and clear in context. Kleven's illustrations—jewel- like collages of sparkling images and patterns, crammed with intriguing details—effectively transmit Rosalba's joy in her narrative. Pronouncing glossary. (Picture book. 3-8)