Crocodile Snaps!/Kangaroo Jumps!

When readers finish the first of these sparsely worded, arrestingly illustrated stories, they can flip the book over and find a companion tale. Crocodile Snaps! begins with ``HELP! HELP!'' on one side of the spread, lettered in a vibrant periwinkle blue also used to color the boots on a pair of legs that dangle into the top of the page. A slim red crocodile on the opposite page hungrily eyes the lanky legs. After a few more pages and a mere handful of evocative words (``chase,'' ``snap,'' ``munch'' and ``crunch,'' to be exact), the bulk of the final spread is occupied by a satiated-looking crocodile and a succinct ``YUM YUM.'' In comparison Kangaroo Jumps! , about a young kangaroo who won't even hop until his pals throw him a surprise party, seems positively verbose. A visual link between the stories is provided by Lehan's distinctive artwork, boldly simple images set against vivid backgrounds. Hand-drawn letters and drolly composed pages make this book a feast for the eyes. Ages 2-5. (Sept.)