PALM TREES

Mama's at work, and the damp August air makes Millie's hair hard to fix by herself; still, she's pleased with the effect she creates with two rubber bands—until Renee laughs and says, ``You've got palm trees on top of your head.'' Mortified, Millie runs home, but she's soon followed by her friend, sporting three ``palm trees'' and prepared to spend the day playing with their hair. It's a simple idea, but genuinely childlike and told with warmth and humor. Cote's figures are a little stiff and awkward, but her illustrations—with a nice balance of glowing, slightly muted colors—provide a refreshingly upbeat take on the city neighborhood of these young African-Americans. A likable debut. (Picture book. 4-8)