Cranberry Birthday
Kindergarten-Grade 3 The sixth in the Devlins' ``Cranberryport'' series, this is an attractive and engaging, if not particularly exceptional, book. Despite a lack of movement, the bright watercolor illustrations are irrepressibly cheery. Unlike the previous books, which centered on specific holidays, this plot centers on the birthday of the hapless Mr. Whiskers and his culinary attempts prior to a visit from his picky sister Sarah. After he has had several kitchen disasters, Grandmother, Maggie, and the neighbors save Mr. Whiskers' pride and birthday feast. A subplot of a stray puppy that Mr. Whiskers saves and returns is wrapped up when young Maggie gives him a puppy from the same litter as a birthday gift. Characterization is minimal, dialogue is sometimes uninspired, but the story moves along too quickly for these to become major flaws here. The book is a bit lengthy for the littlest listeners, but fans of Cranberryport will be glad to see their friends again. Joanna G. Jones, Hunterdon County Lib . , Flemington, N.J.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.