THE LITTLE RED HEN

Barton, well known for the simple forms and vibrant, creatively juxtaposed colors in his informational books for the very young (Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs, 1989), stays closer to this familiar text than he did in his retelling of The Three Bears (1991), coming up with a good, well-cadenced version. His graphic style is also more appropriate here—the boldly stylized forms suit the fable's powerful logic. In the illustrations, Barton embellishes the tale with activities of the hen's unhelpful friends—they boat, fly a kite, or sleep while she works—and includes chicks to share the bread, which makes the hen seem less self-righteously smug. A likable edition that should be a hit with the youngest. (Folklore/Picture book. 1-6)