cover image The Hole Story

The Hole Story

Eve Merriam. Simon & Schuster, $16 (1pp) ISBN 978-0-671-88353-9

This book's punning title sets the tone here, as simple rhymes join closeup illustrations for a witty and instructive look at (or through?) ``all kinds of holes.'' Often shot from unusual perspectives, Chermayeff's crystal-clear photographs are frequently embellished with collages: set against realistic ocean waves, a cartoony hand holds a life preserver ``to keep from sinking.'' Merriam adds the perfect zing-along--her verses identify ``Holes for seeds/And colored beads,''``Holes to match up/ Holes to patch up'' (the latter for a picture of two jean-clad legs with fashionable tears at the knees). The cover design adds to the merriment, as die-cut holes form a cat's features--and expose the button-strewn endpapers beneath. Even the typeface plays along, with every ``o'' forming a solid-colored circle. (The sole/hole exception occurs on the spread showing a luscious birthday cake, where the ``o''s are holders--``holes for candles.'') One cavil--the abstract depiction of ``sport holes'' may perplex more than amuse. Otherwise, wholly fun. Ages 3-7. (May)