WATER VOICES

Riddle fanciers will enjoy this book, in which Speed (Whoosh! Went the Wish, p. 727, etc.) tests their familiarity with various watery forms: mist, ocean waves, the morning dew. Every riddle is a satisfying mix of brainteaser and giveaway, abetted by Downing's guileless watercolors; the time of day and the setting are used to lyrical effect. The book follows a young girl as she experiences each type of water—wakes to Morningmist throwing a ``white net over the lake,'' dances in Sprinklerspray, pounds through Mudpuddle, lounges in Bedtime Bath, hears the ``trees groan and leaves bristle and snap'' when Thunderstorm blows in, watches helplessly as Oceanwave makes good on his promise: ``I eat your sand castle for lunch.'' Though some of the descriptions strain—``the banjo strumming of frogs''—the lines have the energy, cadence, and imagery of accessible, enticing poetry. (Picture book. 4-8)