TIFF, TAFF, AND LULU

Canted floors, greenish lighting, mottled coloration, and a cast of smurf-like, peg-toothed goblins gives this pointed lesson in the hazards of sibling squabbles that arty, “European” look. Though Tiff, Taff, and Lulu do everything together, from bathing to breakfasting, someone has to come last—and that someone invariably complains, loudly. Their irritated mother tries her best to be evenhanded—“I love you all the same huge, identical way!” It takes a scooter accident caused by their bickering to get them working cooperatively; together they carry their injured parent home, tend to her, and put themselves to bed. “’Now you know how important it is to do things together, without fighting!’” No, not exactly, as it turns out—but young readers will get the point, and may be amused by the wild-haired figures. (Picture book. 6-8)