MISS PENNY AND MR. GRUBBS

After 48 years as next-door neighbors, cranky Mr. Grubbs still has a totally unproductive garden while friendly Miss Penny grows prize vegetables. Revenge: Grubbs secretly introduces rabbits on the other side of their common fence, persistently outfoxing all Miss Penny's efforts to get rid of them. Never mind; she takes the rabbits to the fair, where they win a prize, then gives them all away—including a pair to her still- curmudgeonly neighbor. Ernst tells this odd, broad tale with verve. Her illustrations are drawn with a vigor and aplomb that add considerable humor; but the most unusual feature here is Grubbs's impenitence, which may be more plausible than his neighbor's unfailing sweetness. (Picture book. 4-8)