CLARABELLA'S TEETH

Mastering dental hygiene proves to be a difficult task for Clarabella, a crocodile with a high-maintenance mouth. Long after her animal friends put down their toothbrushes and move on to other activities (the carefree nature of their fun underscored by an ample use of white space), Clarabella is still toiling away in her rather claustrophobic bathroom. "She brushes and brushes and brushes and brushes her crocodile teeth," accompanies a portrait of the green heroine with a hilarious "How much longer?" look of frustration. When poor Clarabella finally finishes, her friends are heading home to bed—just as soon as they have brushed their teeth. This prompts a sigh from Clarabella, "a L O N G crocodile sigh." Vrombaut's thick, saturated pastels contribute to these endearing inhabitants of a whimsical world, including a pink-striped zebra, a leopard with aqua and purple polka dots and a teal monkey who drinks a milkshake from a curly straw. Their tyke-size ingenuity saves the day and promises a plethora of playtime for their friend Clarabella tomorrow. The appealing preschool-esque cast and the clever punch line make this a one-joke tale worth rereading. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)