WHISPERING IN THE PARK

Miriam and Sophie arrive in the park at the same time, each with a box of animal crackers in her hand and with her mother pushing a baby in a stroller. While the mothers chat, the little girls check out the pond; there are no fish to be seen, but when the babies wake up hungry and begin to nurse, it gives the girls an idea: sure enough, the fish rise for ``a fox and a gorilla'' from the snack box. Then it's time to say, ``See you tomorrow.'' Cogancherry brings the warm, very simple story to life in her large double-spreads in soft pencil and watercolor. The little pond has just three Canada geese and waterlilies in bloom; with unusual authenticity, she depicts the preschoolers' conformation and movement, subtly delineating their facial expressions as they happily share an idea or activity. An attractive idyll and role model that could be used with toddler groups. (Picture book. 1-6)