TROUBLE IN THE BARKERS’ CLASS

A scowling, aggressive new classmate quickly wears out her welcome in this third episode featuring the Barker twins. Smiles greeting Carole Anne’s arrival turn to frowns as she pushes her way to the head of the recess line, scornfully rejects Morgie Barker’s handmade Welcome Card, pulls out the bows in Maria’s hair, and exhibits other antisocial behavior. That weekend, however, Morgie breaks the ice when he finds Carole Anne in tears, and invites her along on a rock-hunting expedition; on Monday, she apologizes to the class, saying that it’s her second new school in a year. That admission may raise more questions from young readers than it answers, but dePaola’s all-canine cast is as engagingly expressive as ever, and reflective children, at least, will applaud Morgie’s willingness to extend the paw of friendship, even after it’s been (figuratively) bitten. (Picture book. 5-7)