PreS-K—Instead of a book, check out an animal. Miss Perkins, the Zoobrarian, will help you find the right one. The available creatures are not necessarily small or domesticated. Among the choices are an elephant and a bear. The concept of borrowing wild animals is intriguing, but the story itself is rather tame. Pancake the tiger is missing. Miss Perkins and Molly, a young would-be patron, follow a trail of wet footprints that leads them all over town. The mystery of the animal's disappearance is solved when Pancake simply returns to the Lending Zoo; apparently he wanted nothing more than some fresh air and exercise. Flat, opaque pastel-colored illustrations are appealing and suit the cheerful fantasy setting. VERDICT Older children may want more action, but preschoolers will enjoy a visit to this unusual zoo.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Frank Asch, a graduate of Cooper Union, has written more than eighty children’s books, among them the bestselling classics featuring Moonbear and Baby Bear; Russian National Book Award recipient�Here Comes the Cat; and Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Golden Award winner�Like a Windy Day. Mr. Asch lives in Hawaii.

Frank Asch, a graduate of Cooper Union, has written more than eighty children’s books, among them the bestselling classics featuring Moonbear and Baby Bear; Russian National Book Award recipient�Here Comes the Cat; and Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Golden Award winner�Like a Windy Day. Mr. Asch lives in Hawaii.