Hey, Pipsqueak!

While motoring through the forest, Jack finds a present hidden in the bushes, along with a handy map to a party. Off Jack goes until he runs into trouble with a capital T (that's T for a towering Troll, who is blocking the bridge). A battle of wits ensues as the huge and greedy creature, spying Jack's newfound package, which is wrapped in black-and-white-checked paper, demands a ""black-and-white present."" Jack counters with clever alternatives, none of which is quite right for Troll. In the end, the resourceful boy cuts his adversary down to size with an amazing troll-shrinking balloon, and continues on his way to the party, which turns out-surprise!-to be for him. Droll watercolors play with the incongruities of scale; for example, Jack's car is sized just for him. The McMullans (Nutcracker Noel; The Noisy Giants' Tea Party) achieve their uniquely nostalgic look by combining an old-fashioned palette with contemporary perspectives. Another feather in the caps of a talented husband-and-wife duo. Ages 3-up. (Sept.)