My Presents

The cover of this miniature-sized book looks like a wrapped present, complete with a tag that says ``For you.'' And, when the book is opened, an expectant, festive mood persists, enhanced by the bright illustrations, as colorful as the balloons and streamers at a birthday party. A first-person narration invites readers to open presents. Lift-up flaps ``unwrap'' the gifts: a big, furry teddy bear, blocks, a ball, a box of paints, a hand puppet, a puzzle, a whistle and--best of all--a kitten. Campbell cleverly avoids monotony in the presentation by changing the shape of each gift and by using several designs for the wrapping paper. The result is a small gem of a book, as tantalizing to open as a box of surprises. Ages 2-6. (Mar.)