An entertaining tale featuring well-known figures; a tired, hungry wold enters a little town populated by disgruntled people, humorously drawn by Biet. He carries a hobo's kerchief on a stick, has ``only a little money that he kept for emergencies.'' He ventures out to a farm, planning to eat the animals, but finds them unfazed and engrossed in reading. In a fit of one-upmanship, he decides to learn to read, too, and ``since he didn't try to eat anyone,'' his human classmates become accustomed to having him around. He is rejected again by the animals until he refines his style of reading aloud. He is finally accepted into the group for his efforts, and all read happily ever after in the farmyard. That ending is a bit abrupt, but readers will be compensated in the portrayal of ducks, cows, and pigs readingand their annoyance when they are interruptedwhich perfectly suits the amusing text. The cartoonish figures have expressive faces and postures, offering plenty for readers to pore over. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright c1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.