Knitwits

Welcome back to the zany world Down Under, as presented by Taylor ( Agnes the Sheep ; Paradise Lane ). Charlie's mum, a fashion model, is pregnant, and nothing will do but Charlie wants to knit the little tot a sweater. The question is, how? After some secret knitting lessons, the burial of Mr. Magoo the cat, and more than the usual trouble with Alice Pepper next door, Charlie's on his way. ``The second sleeve is lovely,'' remarks the boy about his creation. ``I know I shouldn't say so myself, but any knitter would be proud of it.'' Middle-school hilarity, with an accent on deadpan silliness, characterizes this zestful novel. (The opening sentence sets the tone nicely: ``Our cat croaked this morning.'') A read-aloud introduction may help reluctant readers get the hang of Taylor's Australian English. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)