Benjamin's Portrait

From School Library Journal PreSTrue to the other titles in this series, Benjamin, a rather plump and engaging hamster character, is deter mined to carry on despite mishaps. Af ter Benjamin visits an animal portrait gallery, he decides that portrait paint ing looks easy to do. While attempting a self portrait, Benjamin discovers what can go wronggushing tubes of paint, powder paints sprayed onto him as he sneezes. Cleaning up proves to be even more disastrous as Benjamin tips the water glass, drenching himself com pletely. Undaunted Benjamin dries himself, finishes the portrait, and moves on to try photography. Pre schoolers will identify with Benjamin's eagerness to try things for himself, as well as his encounters with unexpected troubles. The simple text with its gentle humor is subtly reflected in colored il lustrations with pen and ink to provide texture and realism. A good choice for the preschool crowd.Susan Nemeth McCarthy, Arlington County Public Li brary, Va.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.