STARSHINE AND SUNGLOW

When the Flints decide they're too old to cope with the blackbirds, crows, and raccoons that take an annual toll on the corn they've always shared with neighbors, three kids organize a cooperative effort and convince the couple, after all, to plant such poetically named favorites as Golden Queen, Sunglow, and Starshine. The adults aren't eager to participate, but Ben, Kate, and Foster are clever and persistent in getting them to agree; and though Ben covets being in charge, once it's begun the endeavor involves everyone and seems to take on a life of its own—as do two scarecrows dubbed Sunglow and Starshine. At first, the children change the scarecrows' garb to hoodwink the critters, but after a mysterious hand decks them out in wedding finery they apparently lead private lives with only occasional assists. A concluding scene (presaged in entrancing jacket art) also veers toward fantasy; but the focus here is on the nurturing of community spirit and the incessant vigilance required for peaceful coexistence with wild neighbors. To that end, Levin (Mercy's Mill, [1993]) has honed her easily read story with a grace and subtle humor that especially commend it for sharing aloud. (Fiction. 8-12)