MARIGOLD AND GRANDMA ON THE TOWN

In the spirit of Minarik's Little Bear, four easily read chapters by the author of The Principal's New Clothes (1989). Little bunny Marigold's indulgent grandma buys her a hat; in the park, the wind blows the hat off and the bread for the ducks the wrong way, until Marigold makes the wind her ``friend'' by going to the other side of the pond; she gently tests the boundaries of good manners in a coffee shop; and the two stop for a coin- operated photo on the way home. Adroitly, Calmenson brings in delicious details—e.g., the perfect hat needs one adaptation: slits for ears, neatly made with the saleslady's scissors. The affectionate, realistic interplay between the grandparent and the good little bunny is charming, as are Chalmers's wide-eyed, wonderfully expressive characterizations; Marigold hiding her face in Grandma's bosom after she spills her milk is the quintessence of childish embarrassment. An endearing introduction to someone who could become a real favorite. (Easy reader. 4-8)