A TURKEY DRIVE AND OTHER TALES

For the family introduced in The Take-Along Dog (1989), almost anything occasions a story—be it embroidered reminiscence or whole-cloth invention. The Taxicab Tales (1992) were about Dad's experiences on the job; the ones here are prompted by pictures—artist Mom's work; a reproduction of a ``famous painting''; Sam's finger-painting; Abigail's drawing of a horse- -each setting off an offbeat story told by one family member egged on by the others' questions. Whether it's Abigail's tale about how the man in her mother's picture for an insurance magazine got so many broken bones, or Sam's rationalization for his rooster facing away from the morning sun (``See, this way it doesn't have to squint''), Abigail's (i.e., Porte's) voice is entrancing. Like a vivacious child telling every little thing— but somehow, miraculously, only what you really want to know—she keeps the book moving with unexpected plot-twists, comical detail, impeccable timing, and a rare ear for natural, funny dialogue. Abolafia's b&w cartoon-style art captures this nice family's warmth as well as their wit. An early chapter book that's sure to keep them reading. (Fiction/Young reader. 5-10)