LORENZO THE NAUGHTY PARROT

Four loosely linked incidents in a nice Mexican family. The first chapter describes little Ana's birthday party, a festive occasion even though Mama and Papa are ``excited'' because Papa's wedding ring is missing. Meanwhile, the parrot is into everything, especially the cookies that he and Papa both love. He also gets dirty when Papa changes the oil in his car, and on Christmas Eve, he greets San Nicol†s while the children sleep. In the last chapter, Lorenzo is responsible for an unexpected pattern on the fine new floor that Papa, a brickmaker, makes for Mama; and for finding the ring, in the cookie jar. Undramatic but engagingly well told and imbued with warm good humor. Caldecott Medalist Politi, now 84, provides a joyous complement of freely drawn, brightly painted illustrations that bring the scenes vibrantly to life. (Young reader/Picture book. 4-9)