'TAKE CARE OF THINGS,' EDWARD SAID
by Helen E. Buckley & illustrated by Katherine Coville
A preschooler's first day with his babysitter and several pets when his much-admired older brother goes back at school. After a busy morning of helpful and creative activities, little Tom's afraid he hasn't done what Edward asked as he got on the bus; nice Mrs. Henderson helps Tom realize that he has. Unassuming but just right, with well-drawn, sympathetic illustrations that nicely reflect the story's warmth and realism. (Tom seems to be Oriental; other characters, including Mom and Dad, are Caucasian.) (Picture book. 3-7)