MS. BLANCHE, THE SPOTLESS COW

With a nod of thanks to compatriot Josse Goffin— appropriate, since Merveille's broad, sure line and bright palette much resemble his—a Belgian team debuts with a whimsically offbeat story that makes a good showcase for the artist's boldly graphic style. Poor Blanche is the only cow to lack spots. A passing salesman offers some surprising possibilities (a world map, a target, a garish amoeboid), but none suit; an artist paints her portrait; and ``Mootisse'' paints a picture on her that draws the director of ``the Extremely Modern Art Museum of Gotta-Havit, U.S.A.'' with an offer of $5 million for the hide without the cow, but a fortuitous rainstorm saves her. Finally, the farmer introduces Blanche to his ``liveliest bull...A little rough. But so very nice looking. And what should happen happened.'' Result: a spotted calf and perfect happiness. Feminists may not be pleased, and some of the satire is aimed at adults; still, a briskly comical story, with vibrant art to match, that will amuse children, too. (Picture book. 4-8)