Pins and Needles — John Talbot

Jean Pierre the elephant and his sidekick Bonsoir the mouse try to cope with a very uncomfortable problem--Jean Pierre's trunk has fallen asleep. In a seemingly endless series of visits to a variety of family and friends, the two are offered a succession of predictable home remedies. Finally, it is the faithful mouse who cures his friend by casting his own scary shadow on the wall and shocking the pins and needles away. Bonsoir also insures that the pachyderm will never suffer this malady again, by rigging up a traction device unique in the annals of medical care. Lackluster pen-and-ink with wash paintings, though splashed with occasional humor, add little excitement or suspense to the already attenuated tale. Few kids will stay with it to the ultimately upbeat conclusion. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)