TOM AND PIPPO ON THE BEACH
by Helen Oxenbury & illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
It's grand to have the toddler and his toy monkey back for another visit. Daddy wants Tom to wear his hat at the beach "because the sun might make me sick," but the little boy decides Pippo needs it more than he does. Clever Daddy quietly folds a newspaper hat for the toy; and after Tom trades with him ("I'm glad Pippo's got the best hat..."), all three are satisfied. Such a simple little story, but it's a model of generous nurturing and wise, non-confrontational negotiation with a two-year-old. As always, Oxenbury's warm, skillfully drafted sketches and beautifully observed watercolors are perfection. (Picture book. 1-5)