LADY BUGATTI
by Joyce Maxner & illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
The author of the fanciful Nicholas Cricket (1989) spins another gossamer-light story about urbane insects at a sophisticated party—in this case, dinner followed by a theatrical event, where the elegant hostess (``in her orange gown with black dots all around'') awards the prize for the best performance. The verse here, though still full of amusing names and details, dances somewhat less adroitly than in the earlier book; in his second appearance, Hawkes (When the Troll Heard the Squeak, p. 248) provides bright, boldly designed paintings that catch the ambience and slyly extend the humor but don't have William Joyce's high style—which gave Nicholas its amusingly satirical tone. (Picture book. 5-9)