JEREMY'S MUFFLER

Nielsen and Schneider's first book is a wacky and wild read- aloud just right for the older end of the picture-book set. Jeremy's Aunt Alice is forgetful and her presents are usually inappropriate. This year for his birthday, she knits him a muffler, using up three miles of yard before she remembers to stop. Jeremy's parents make him wear it and it causes no end of problems, catching in the bus door and tripping him when he walks. In vain he tries to lose it. When Elsie Jones falls through the ice, though, the hated scarf becomes a lifeline and Jeremy becomes a hero. The muffler goes to the museum, never to be worn again. Cartoony gouache paintings ride the humor hard and provide plenty of visual surprises. Predictable? Yes. Warm and involving? Certainly. (Picture book. 4-7)