EMILY AND ALICE AGAIN

In the past, picture books have tended to foster male characters as the perpetrators of adventures. Thankfully, preschoolers have the further escapades of these two chums (whose friendship began in Emily and Alice, 1993), to dispel any notions that girls don't want to have fun. There are really three stories under one cover. In the first, Alice trades her funky pink heart- shaped sunglasses for Emily's little sister (it doesn't last long). Next comes the tale of Alice's goofy hat, which everyone ridicules. Then Emily gets an identical chapeau, bolstering Alice's self- confidence with a show of friendship. Finally, there's a scary slumber party episode, where the made-up horrors under the bed can only be dissipated by sleeping with the light on, in the same bed, with a couple of stuffed animals. The cheery illustrations show neighborhood scenes and snazzy outfits, perfectly reiterating the busy activities of these two loyal pals, in a trio of warm-hearted tales of friendship. (Picture Book. 4-7)