TRIANGLE, SQUARE, CIRCLE

Most illustrators outfitting animals and placing them in human situations strive for the naturalistic, but not Wegman. His stately photographs of his weimaraner Fay, costumed and posed, have the makes-you-smile surprise of the unexpected. In Triangle, Square, Circle, whether she is balancing a triangle on her nose, looking mournfully out the side of a mountain, or posing in a cowboy hat, Fay keeps her dignity and perhaps even graciously hints she is enjoying the collaboration. The resulting full-color photos give new wit and purpose to a familiar board book idea. Fay's family gets more fully into the act with 1,2,3, a book of numbers. The photographs in this second book, though often beautiful enough to frame, are not as ingenious as in the shape book, and the stills of dogs posed as numerals are confusing to the eye. Still, both books happen to be slick, sophisticated visual treats for adults that will find their first, most appreciative audience in young children. Good job, Fay. Have another biscuit. (Picture books. 2-7)