(4) K-3 In four little stories (one per season) a plump, doll-like boy romps through the outdoors, pointing out the earth's seasonal changes. In the fairly inconsequential tales, Simon tells why he loves each season. Here, the text bows to the luminous earth-toned illustrations that tell the real stories, in which roly-poly children roam freely in playful harmony with nature and each other.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Translated by Sibylle Kazeroid. Illustrated by Pef. Greg is a painfully shy boy. First-person narration allows Greg to describe effectively his own insecurities about speaking to others; readers will applaud the satisfying if somewhat sudden conclusion, in which Greg conquers the dreaded class presentation and loses his shyness. Quirky, cartoonlike pastel illustrations make good use of distorted perspectives.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin