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For Young Readers Man encroaches on the vanishing habitat of an endangered species, in "Pi-shu the Little Panda" (Peachtree, $15.95, ages 4-8), written and illustrated by John Butler. Pi-shu is a beautiful baby panda. When he was born, he was about the size of one of the black circles around the eyes of his mother, Fei-Fei. Butler provides an education in the welfare of the endangered panda without being heavy-handed. The animals are well-drawn and, as the story progresses, the realistic landscape changes, from the lush greens of the bamboo forest to the snowy white of the frigid mountains, where mother and baby have retreated after men cut down the forest that was their home. Other exotic animals native to China, including golden monkeys, bamboo rats and takins, which are similar to musk oxen, inhabit these colorful pages. While the story introduces a threat to mother and baby, they are not in immediate danger and do find safety at the story’s end. * * * Chicken admires Scarecrow’s weathered straw hat in"The Scarecrow’s Hat" (Peachtree, $15.95, ages 4-8), written and illustrated by Ken Brown. But Scarecrow, with five small birds on one outstretched arm and one large bird on the other, is tired. He tells chicken that he needs to rest his arms. "I’ve been standing here for years now, and my arms are so tired. I’d love a walking stick to lean on. I’d swap my hat for a walking stick any day.’ "Now Chicken didn’t have a walking stick, but she knew someone who did." Chicken begins an adventure of arranging barters that ultimately get her what she wants. She talks to the badger, who has a walking stick but really wants a ribbon. The crow has a ribbon but really would like some wool. Chicken talks to the sheep and the owl, and never loses sight of her mission. Brown is a talented writer and illustrator. His watercolors in rich hues of brown, blues, cream and black, give emotional depth to the story. "The Scarecrow’s Hat" is a lesson in determination and problem-solving. * * * The sensitively written and beautifully illustrated"The Stray Dog" (HarperCollins, $15.95, ages 4-8) by Marc Simont is about a family’s struggle of conscience. It is based on a true story by Reiko Sassa. A family from the city is picnicking in the countryside when a friendly dog appears. The children name him Willy, feed him and teach him tricks. When the family leaves that night, they leave Willy behind. Mother and Father tell the children that Willy probably belongs to someone who misses him. All week, the family worries. On Saturday, they return to the picnic area. Their picnic is a somber one until Willy races by, chased by the dog warden!
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