ZEBRA'S HICCUPS

Dapper zebra is far too dignified to follow his friends' advice for getting rid of his hiccups—drinking water upside down simply isn't his style. But when the hiccups somehow move his stripes into just a few broad bands, he decides to try their embarrassing remedies. Nothing seems to work, though crocodile's method (``...do a headstand...Put the ball between your legs. Now, sing!'') finally makes Zebra unbend enough to get the giggles; the hiccups finally vanish after Zebra's friends douse him in cold water—causing a sneeze that reconstitutes his stripes. And he knows just how to cure this cold.... It's all pretty silly, but the subject is of perennial interest and its lighthearted treatment here is sure to tickle funny bones— especially with the help of McKee's rich, bright colors, bold designs, and amusingly caricatured animals. Try this when someone really does have the hiccups. (Picture book. 4-7)