ARTHUR'S FAMILY VACATION

Arthur would rather join his friends for baseball practice or camp, but his parents are firm: it's going to be a weeklong family vacation. But even they are daunted by the small room in the inaptly named Ocean View Motel (a shopping center is the chief sight), while D.W. observes that the pool is smaller than a bathtub. When it rains all week, though, it's Arthur who takes the initiative—he checks the newspaper and plans field trips, like the ones they have at camp. They go to a cow festival, tour Gatorville and a fudge factory, go to the movies, etc., until Father comments: ``I never realized there are so many fun things to do in the rain.'' Still, it's nice to see the sun on Friday. On his 17th outing, Arthur continues to be an unusually likable role model; amusing, healthy fare. (Picture book. 4-8)