MAX AND FELIX

In the best easy-reader tradition, Max and Felix are friends who engage in mildly witty dialogue while negotiating the unexpected results of their various efforts. These particular two are frogs, dressed in amusingly bizarre costumes that look as though they came out of Granddad's vacation trunk some years ago (plaid pants, flowered shirts, etc.) and expressively posed- -especially Max, who's hoping to be the subject of a dramatic photo taken by Felix with the camera Max has just given him. But Felix never seems to catch Max in his showoffish poses; instead, he snaps the pratfalls that follow, which the rickety porch Max builds suggests is more characteristic anyway. As a theme, photos misfiring wears a little thin by the fourth brief chapter; still, the perky, natural-sounding dialogue and funny, lively illustrations are sure to appeal to young readers. (Picture book/Easy reader. 3-7)