IN THE BACK SEAT
by Deborah Durland DeSaix & illustrated by Deborah Durland DeSaix
The family's no sooner settled in its 50's sedan for the trip to Aunt Penelope's farm than Jeffrey asks, ``Are we there yet?'' Luckily for him (and his parents), big sister Ariel rises splendidly to the occasion with a fantastical tale about a girl and ``her pesky little brother,'' with each event in her story (pictured in full-bleed art) suggested by things Ariel spies on the way (seen in vignettes on the facing text pages). In the manner of such stories by imaginative children, the adventures aren't developed, but they follow one after another in a manner calculated to please young listeners like Jeffrey. DeSaix's soft- edged images and appealing details are just right, with Ariel's fantasy and its realistic frame warmly enriched by the sibs' evident affection. A charming, nostalgic reminder of a time when cars moved slowly enough along back roads for kids to spot cows, or even cobwebs. (Picture book. 4-8)