Hannah the Hippo's No Mud Day

Because her Aunt Lily is coming for a visit, Hannah is told she must not indulge in her favorite pastime: rolling about in ``squshystet , mushy'' mud puddles. The little hippo doesn't look thrilled when her mother dresses her in a pink frock with a lacy white pinafore, but she is determined to obey orders and stay clean. It isn't easy. Hannah stumbles into an exceedingly sloppy puddle, and in no time at all she is dancing, prancing and lolling in the cool mud. With the aid of some amiable animal friends--to whom she in turn lends a helping hand--Hannah manages to return home spanking clean in time for her aunt's arrival. Hiskey ends this puckish tale with an amusing twist and gracefully conveys the importance of aiding those in need. Droll humor abounds in Schmidt's pastel-dominated watercolors; especially endearing are Hannah's constantly changing facial expressions. Ages 3-6. (May)