THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN

What could be more appropriate? The Jolly Postman (1986)- -cycling past ``the fast-eloping dish and spoon,'' a giant beanstalk, and King Cole's castle—delivers holiday letters and gifts addressed to ``Mr. H. Dumpty, Wincey Ward, Cock Robin Memorial Hospital''; the Gingerbread boy; and even ``Mister Wolf,'' found ``wolfing pies and sherry'' and sporting amiably with three pigs and the little red hen. All is reported in deft, jovial verse; six bound-in envelopes contain amusing missives- -cards, a picture puzzle (Humpty Dumpty, of course), a tiny pamphlet of a book, a picture letter (Granny's sound advice to R. Hood), and—for the postman—an accordion-style peep show. The illustrations are as charming as the text—even the postmarks are fun. Pure delight. (Picture book. 2+)