(4) K-3 Illustrated by Käthi Bhend. Five friends--a grub, a caterpillar, two worms, and a beetle--diligently prepare for the winter in their underground homes. As the seasons turn, the friends learn that sometimes what is unexpected in life brings the most joy. It's a heartening story, but the text is wordy and difficult to follow. Delicate and intricate illustrations illuminate this tale of self-fulfillment.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(3) K-3 Translated by Marianne Martens. Illustrated by Kathi Bhend. Twin humpbacked brothers, Morris and Boris, bear equal burdens with opposite attitudes. Morris, the kindly optimist, is in tune with nature and rewarded by the removal of his hump; selfish Boris rejects nature's invitations. Some of the illustrations are in color and some black and white; sharp eyes will spot the hidden animals in the tangled forest picture.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo