PUDDLE'S ABC

Hobbie’s porkers in play clothes return for a fourth episode, just as winning as the previous three. Finding little Otto Turtle fishing next to a “No Fishing” sign, Puddle offers to teach him the letters of his name. This leads in natural stages to an alphabetical animal gallery that covers not only the 26 letters, but a range of moods from joyful (“Bb. Ballerina blowing bubbles”) to scared (Nn. Not another nightmare!”) to silly (“Zz. Zooming Zucchini”). After practicing, Otto’s not only proudly writing his own name, but Toot’s too (perspicuously noting that, “ ‘Otto is Toot spelled inside out.’ ”) By the end he is even ready to tackle “Puddle.” The art alternates between a fluid, precise cartoon style, and Puddle’s flatter, more childlike technique. Filled with wordplay and giggle-inducing visuals accompanying a sturdy story line, and with plenty of encouraging praise and flattery, this is certain to spur many children into following in Otto’s footsteps as he takes his eager first venture into literacy. Irresistible. (Picture book. 3-5)