1 2 3 Music

Poor music-loving Annie. When she listens to tunes on her Walkman, she's impervious to the world and invariably gets into trouble. When she gets carried away by the rhythms of a street band, her older cousins make fun of her. Feeling terribly misunderstood, Annie decides to run away and join an orchestra. Then she discovers that an attic trunk contains instruments belonging to her grandpa, who was once a professional musician. Her attempt to play all the instruments at once ends in a pratfall, but with Grandpa's help, she organizes a family band. Grandpa also gives a much-needed boost to her self-esteem. ""Annie is a natural,"" he tells her cousins. ""She has a great sense of rhythm, and you could learn a lot from her."" The book ends with the group playing at an exuberant Saturday night dance. French author and artist Auzary-Luton's story could stand some tightening, and even young readers may be skeptical that a family can learn to be such a strong musical ensemble in such a short time. But spunky Annie is an engaging heroine, and the watercolor backdrops of a tropical setting add a dash of visual spice. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)