Tortoise Solves a Problem

This droll tale tells of a time when tortoises carried no shells on their backs. Constantly exposed to ``the fierce sun . . . the cold rain'' and, worse, to the taunts and sneers of other animals ``who all had snug, cozy homes to go to,'' the Three Wisest Tortoises commission a young tortoise to solve their ``housing problem.'' With the heartiness of a folktale and shrewd wit of a fable, Katz imagines various possible tortoise dwellings (all spectacularly impractical) before arriving at the familiar carapace. The young tortoise is endearingly portrayed in loose, nervous illustrations. A little toad-like without his shell, he dons beret and opera scarf to proclaim his artistic calling. Muted earth tones soften the sharp intelligence of the story; generous white backgrounds and bold borders enhance its clarity. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)