EMMA IN CHARGE

Emma, McPhail’s delightful little bear, assumes teaching responsibilities for her three dolls, taking them through their day: breakfast, school, a doctor’s appointment. Sure, this story has things to say about taking command and the importance of learning, but McPhail’s knack is in the heart-gladdening touches he invests in his illustrations, artwork as fine as old china (if your china comes burnished with softened colors). The clown doll, naturally, is always clowning around in his silent way. It looks like the dolls are nodding off in math class. Are they alive? Well, sometimes, sometimes not. McPhail’s not obviously showing his hand, for half the pleasure is in the mystery of it all. Imagination is a good thing to exercise, so let it run and play. That’s why readers keep coming back to McPhail’s books, and ever will. (Picture book. 3-5)