PRINCESS! FAIRY! BALLERINA!

Three friends each propose the perfect play activity for a rainy day.

Gathered together in one house, three smiling girls dress up in costume and offer suggestions for play. Blue dress-up girl wants to “play princess!” because there are so many royal activities. Green dress-up girl wants to play fairy “Because fairy dust means magic spells, and talking frogs.” Pink dress-up girl wants to play ballerina because they “can be beautiful snowflakes or fierce mice.” Will they have a contest in which they balance or make magic or dine on tea and crumpets to determine the activity? Unable to compromise, they sulk until they look out the window and see a frog hopping by. Good-bye to wings, tiaras, and tutus. Hello to rain boots, umbrellas, and frolicking in the rain. Three frogs who have been hopping around the pages have the last word, however, bringing the story full circle. Watercolor illustrations against a white background depict three expressive and energetic girls who are able to work out their differences, even if they need green amphibian assistance. A pastel-hued rainbow, color-coded text type, and some glitter on the cover are suitable touches. Blue dress-up girl is brown; green dress-up girl and pink dress-up girl are both white.

Traditionally minded readers will enjoy the story of three girls who expand their play possibilities.