Belinda

Bessie milks Belinda every day, while Old Tom grows vegetables; but when Bessie goes to visit her daughter, Old Tom is to do the milking. There's a good girl, he croons, whereupon Belinda declares her intentions with one almighty kick. She's faster than he is, and also smart enough to snatch the carrot he offers before escaping. But Old Tom is clever: Disguising himself as Bessie, he gets milk for himself as well as the family dog, cat, and pig; and the only evidence, when Bessie comes home, is mud on the hem of her dress. Allen's lively story is as succinct and neatly honed as a folktale, while her deftly designed illustrations - pen-and-watercolor figures silhouetted on clean, white pages - are splendidly witty. Plump, cheery Bessie is a fine foil for bearded, bald-topped Tom, whose slight, agile figure is amusingly repeated across the spreads, counterpointed by his rope or his flying bucket. A delightful offering from this much-honored New Zealander/Australian; perfect to share with a group. (Kirkus Reviews)