THE TERRIBLE EEK

When, on a rainy night, a man tells his little son that the things he most fears are a thief, a wolf, and a ``terrible leak,'' his words are overheard by both a thief who happens to be on the roof and a nearby wolf. At first, both are proud to be thought so powerful; but when the thief falls onto the wolf, each believes the other to be the mysterious third thing. Terrified, they bolt, and frighten several other animals with their misheard story about the ``terrible eek.'' This amusing fable, nicely concluded with the little family sleeping peacefully after the storm, is fine for reading or telling. Hamanaka, who will be remembered for The Journey (1990), provides powerfully expressive paintings with rich dark colors, simple yet dramatic designs, and comical, broadly rendered animals. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)*justify no*