Dinner's Ready

Beginning with ``Remember to wash your hands and don't bring toys to the table,'' this book soon moves on to some of the finer points of dining: ``Don't throw food, or lick your bowl.'' These pages are occupied by a rabbit who observes the rules and a pig who most assuredly does not. The pig not only reaches across the table for the ketchup, but he does so while balancing on one foot on a stool. The poor rabbit, his napkin tied neatly around his neck, politely leans out of the way. On the next page, ketchup, stool, pig and plate are all on the floor; every rule is complemented by droll illustrated examples of what happens when it is broken. Readers won't find guidance on which fork to use for which course, but this text covers the basics; with expressive watercolor illustrations, Gedye takes a humorous stab at the slow process of civilizing toddlers. Ages 3-8. (May)