Once again, Pat Hutchins turns an elementary concept into an engaging story for preschoolers. In this instance, Fox, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Mouse notice that their friend Owl gets smaller and smaller as he flies away from them and they logically conclude that he is shrinking. First Fox sets off in pursuit of Owl to warn him before Owl disappears altogether. Noticing that Fox is also shrinking as he runs away, Rabbit sets off in pursuit of Fox. One by one, the friends chase after each other to sound a warning but once they've all been reunited, they notice that each one had been restored to exactly the right size. This clever story uses a patterned text and brightly colored, uncluttered illustrations to drive the point home subtly. Even if toddlers don't understand the complexity of spatial perception, there will be much for them to enjoy in the story. Meanwhile, older children will find humor in the animals' misunderstanding of a concept they themselves have only just mastered. (Ages 2-6)