WHEN ELEPHANT GOES TO A PARTY

Party-going manners are taught through the agency of an elephant invited along for the fun. "When you take Elephant to a party, it helps to be prepared. First ask if you may bring a guest." So starts this do's and don'ts of proper birthday-party etiquette. Each page provides a little tidbit of advice: dress properly for the occasion; bring a gift "the birthday person might like"; don't be shy but don't be brash; if the chair you are sitting on happens to implode—as will happen to elephants now and then—don't be embarrassed but do help clean up; don't snoop; don't gorge; do say thanks. All solid counsel, told in mock seriousness, even if it does come at the reader mercilessly: should this, mustn't that, may this, cannot that. Seaver, in his first picture book, lightens the proceedings appreciably with his pen-and-pencil illustrations, which feature doll-like cartoon kids along with the cockamamie elephant, all bug-eyed, with a wrinkled trunk and a pink bow in her hair. For any kid who has felt as clumsy as an ox at a party, this elephant will be sweet sympathy. (Picture book. 4-7)