Freddie Works Out

``Reach for those toes, Freddie! Hold your stomach in, Freddie!'' commands the text. And Freddie, a likable frog who wears a red-and-white work-out suit, does just that-with a little pulling and pushing (the kind done with tabs, not a floor mat). Along the way, gentle words of encouragement are given (``Keep going, Freddie! Good work, Freddie!'')-a small reminder that pull-ups, push-ups and jumping jacks, as many youngsters may already know, take effort. The paper engineering that allows the youngster to manipulate Freddie's exercises is often repetitious; then again, however, that's the nature of a sit-up. But the energetic illustrations and the ending, which shows Freddie relaxing with a big drink, alleviate the sense of routine. In all, readers will warm up to this friendly introduction to basic fitness. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)