Miss Goose, the librarian, tells her young patrons that the library is going to close forever because it's old. The animals, however, refuse to take that news without a fight. An old roof and shabby weatherboards? The animals find books that give them the know-how and proceed to lay a perfect roof and paint the outside. Although Miss Goose is thrilled, she now worries that it takes money to run a library. After reading about how to make money fast, the kids hold bake and candy sales. Almost thwarted by the next obstacle at owns the library land and wants it back e patrons realize they can move the building. Championing problem solving and showing that you can learn anything through reading, the message-heavy book may have more adult-appeal than kid-appeal. But the winsome illustrations and can-do spirit will find some fans.

After finding out that the library has to close due to lack of funds, a young raccoon takes up the cause of saving it. How does he know what to do? By reading library books on such topics as construction, fundraising, and diplomacy. Bunting's public-service-announcement message is soft-pedaled by the story's humor, also evident in Smith's friendly watercolor and acrylic illustrations.

Bunting wastes no time getting started in this energetic story about a small-town library in jeapody. On the first page, a group of assorted woodland creatures are told by their librarian that the library needs too many repairs and must close. The enterprising animals decide to take out books on roof repairs and painting, and they get the library spiffed up in no time. Miss Goose (the librarian) is pleased, but says they still need more money to stay open, so after a few more books, they solve this problem—and others that crop up. The story's simple plot moves along, but the animals solve their problems so quickly that the tension dissapears before it has a chance to build. This might be comforting to younger readers, but a bit boring to older ones. No surprises here and not billed to be a future classic, but entertaining and useful, with Smith's lively watercolor-and-acrylic illustrations providing a happy, small-town context. Librarians will probably find it hard to pass up. (Picture book. 4-7)

K-Gr 2 When Miss Goose informs the children that the library will have to close because it is in need of repair, Raccoon and his friends spring into action. The first thing they do is check out books ( How to Lay a Perfect Roof and Library Painting for Beginners ), read them, and accomplish the necessary tasks. However, their problems are far from over. Now the library needs operating money and it has to be moved. Each time, the children turn first to books to guide them toward a solution, until at last the spruced-up library sits cozily in a meadow. The reasons this library is so important to everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens, are woven nicely into the plot. Bunting's style has a graceful simplicity, descriptive enough to be evocative without overwhelming: "On rainy days, we stay cozily inside. On sunny days, we lie in the shade of a big whispering oak tree and read." Smith's watercolor and acrylic illustrations are charming and should have most children longing to enter the buttercup-yellow library with the grass-green door. An excellent vehicle for discussing the importance of libraries, books, reading, and teamwork, this one is a winner. Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ