ROLLER COASTER

A slight book, its appeal limited by its narrow subject matter, takes readers through a day at an amusement park. A giddy protagonist narrates last year's visit, which included everything except a ride on the Monster Coaster (she was too short). This year, taller, bespectacled, and with no loss of enthusiasm, she glories in the ride. The text is believable, if dry; there's no real build-up to the anticipated roller coaster ride, so the ending is a letdown. As an illustrator, O'Malley had greater success with Who Killed Cock Robin (1993). Here, the bright, even garish colors, raucous design and typography, and eccentric viewpoints all spell FUN in capital letters. It's a genuinely childlike view of the amusement park, but ``It was awesome'' is the only hint at the deeper emotions involved. For a title that promises thrills and spills, a disappointing ride. (Picture book. 4+)