Ali Baba Bernstein, Lost and Found

From School Library Journal Grade 3-6 --``Every day was a potential adventure for a boy like Ali Baba Bernstein.'' In this, his third appearance, Ali Baba (a.k.a. David) plays detective and discovers a ``bomb'' in a movie theater, finds a 100 dollar bill and a lost dog, and almost sees a bear. Star of his own daydreams, he is an immensely likable, usually honest youngster who keeps track of his age to the very day. Hurwitz's understated humor shines through in her protagonist's observations about adult behavior. The New York City setting is effectively incorporated into the plot. Becoming responsible is a constant, but never didactic, theme, as when he considers buying his parents a dog for their anniversary. Fans of The Adventures of Ali Baba Bernstein (1985) and Hurray for Ali Baba Bernstein (1989, both Morrow) will definitely enjoy this one. All will sympathize with the boy's dislike of shopping expeditions: ``Even going to the dentist was an improvement on shopping. A dentist appointment rarely took more than twenty minutes, and it was certainly less painful than standing around while his mother was making a purchase.'' Milone's full-page drawings add to the lighthearted fun. --Ruth Smith, formerly at Chicago Public LibraryCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.