SQUIRREL PARK

Like his buildings, Stuart's architect dad is ``big, straight, and powerful.'' When he gives Stuart a first job, designing a park, he also gives him rulers and a T-square to make sure all paths are straight. Stuart—whose best friend is a squirrel, Chuck—wants to save a splendid old oak in the park's center, but Dad is adamant: no curves, no trees. Then Chuck—a silent but active collaborator—nibbles the tools into pleasing curves, which Stuart presents to an awed town meeting as his dad's invention—credit Dad diplomatically accepts; and the town gets a comfortably curvilinear oasis. With her usual wit and panache, Ernst illustrates in vigorous pen (no straight or narrow lines here!) and cheerfully assertive colors. Satirical exaggeration makes the all-too-human foibles funny, but Stuart's willingness to compromise renders the message less simplistic; even Dad gives in gracefully in the end. A lively entry for the picture book hour. (Picture book. 4-8)