PETER AND THE PIGEONS

Peter loves everything about pigeons. Believing that he'll enjoy other animals, too, his bespectacled father takes him to the zoo; but the golden-haired boy is only mildly interested- -since he knows pigeons best, he likes them best. The misty, benevolent urban setting is rendered in colored pencil, with graceful animals and people depicted with largish heads, smallish necks and limbs, and perpetually serene expressions. Not to be mistaken for a primer on prejudice (Peter is tolerant of the other animals; he just prefers pigeons): a pleasant outing of familiar proportions, just child-sized. (Picture book. 3-5)