THE ALARM CLOCK. Heine, Helme. Toronto, Annick Press, c1984. unpaged, paperbound boards, $5.95, ISBN 0-920236-79-0. (Three Little Friends) CIP Grades K-2 Reviewed by Sally Davis Volume 13 Number 1 1985 January Wishing to stay up until midnight is the secret desire of three little animal friends who live on Mudpy Farm. ". . . Mudpy doesn't belong to anybody, just as the sun and the air don't belong to anybody. Mudpy belongs to everybody, just as the world belongs to us all." This whimsical quote is part of the introduction to a picture book that may take several readings before the style of writing and illustrating are fully appreciated. The book was originally written in German and published first in West Germany. In its translated form, it has a flavour to it that adds to its richness. The plot is simple enough for the grasp of a pre-schooler. Three friends—a mouse, a rooster and a pig—must have an alarm clock in order to carry out their plan to stay up until midnight. This will enable the rooster to be sure and wake up on time the morning after a late night. And what a fine time they have between sundown and midnight. The watercolour illustrations are great fun. Sally Davis, St. John's, Nfld.