Princess Buttercup, one of six flower fairies, gets lost after following a butterfly into the woods. But the butterfly gives her a ride back to her friends, just in time for the party they have planned. The simple text is aimed at the youngest beginning readers, who will find lots of visual clues in the bright, cheerful illustrations. A few words seem difficult, but fans of flower fairies will persevere.

O'CONNOR, Jane . Snail City . illus. by Rick Brown. ISBN 0-448-42471-1 ; ISBN 0-448-42418-5 . ea vol: 32p. (All Aboard Reading Series). Grosset & Dunlap . 2001. PLB $13.89; pap. $3.99. LC number unavailable. PreS-Gr 1 In the first story, Princess Buttercup lives in a magic garden with five other flower princesses. While preparing for a party on the first day of spring, she gets lost in the woods following a butterfly. The friendly monarch picks her up and returns her to the garden in time for the festivities. Youngsters will be drawn to the brightly hued cover and fanciful art. The pace of life in Snail City is nice and slowuntil Gail is born. Called "fast poke" by the other snail children, she is considered a bit odd until her quick actions save a baby. Children will enjoy the humor and the cartoon art. Both books have large type, easy vocabulary, and lots of repetition that will help develop and reinforce their reading skills. Maura Bresnahan, Shawsheen School, Andover, MA