SUNDAY POTATOES, MONDAY POTATOES
by Vicky Shiefman & illustrated by Louise August
In what looks, in August's vibrant linoleum cuts, like long- ago Eastern Europe, one poor family has nothing to eat but the potatoes they grow. Each day, Mama comes up with a different- looking preparation; still, the family—beginning with the cat but finally including even Papa—becomes more rebellious. But on Saturday—joy!—Mama makes potato pudding, and appetites and good humor are restored. The recipe (cheese, onions, lots of butter) sounds delicious. The brief, folkloric tale has a nice wry lilt (``You may ask, did they like to eat potatoes? Well, they did like to eat!''); the expressive illustrations, their dramatic black set off by lustrous sunset colors, are both amusing and beautiful. A winner. (Picture book. 4-8)