Ripping Day for a Picnic H

``It's a ripping day for a picnic,'' this sunny yellow book proclaims from its start. Four animal friends want to have a picnic but they don't know where to hold it. Together they hunt for a good spot, through dark, frightful caves and maze-shaped gardens. During their quest, they explore exotic lands and narrowly escape being eaten by huge tongue-wagging plants. Finally, they reach a toy-filled land, perfect for holding a picnic. Du Quette's terse, unrhymed style lends to the story the tone of a questioning child, imaginative and innocent. This debut picture book blooms with brightly colored illustrations. A hot summer day is recreated with a light blue cloudless sky and plush green trees abounding with peaches and plums. Readers will bask in the warmth and excitement of this afternoon picnic outing. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)