Ella, who debuted in Ella the Elegant Elephant (2004), returns to show herself as a take-charge child. Ella and Mother live in Little Village, which, with its whitewashed buildings and ocean views, seems to be a pachyderm French Riviera. At her mother's bakery, Ella always asks to help. Unfortunately, Mom thinks a job such as slicing pie is too dangerous, so Ella she comes up with a job of her own--delivering a three-tiered cake in a wagon pulled by her bike. (The incongruity of this being safer than a cutting a pie seems odd.) Ella's friend hitches a ride, and, feeling helpful, asks Mr. Saw if he would like them to return his pile of library books. She then leaves Ella to finish the job, during which the cake nearly slides out of the wagon. Fortunately, Ella's magic hat and her own fortitude save the day. There are a few text glitches, but this has so much child appeal and such delightful artwork that it's hard to quibble. The pictures evoke both de Brunoff and Rey, but charming Ella makes the story her own. Especially fine are D'Amico's detailed, richly colored settings, always focused on what kids want to see. This has favorite book potential. Ilene Cooper Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved