(3) K-3 Translated by J. Alison James. Illustrated by Käthi Bhend. In this picture book for older readers, an orphan is left alone on Earth. He explores the heavens and discovers that the sun, moon, and stars are devastating illusions and sources of even more loneliness. The story, adapted from a play by Georg Büchner, is dark, morbid, and frightening--just right for middle schoolers. The illustrations evoke a fairy-tale feeling and leave room for imagination.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(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

(3) 1-3 Translated by John Barrett. Illustrated by Kathi Bhend. Henrietta, one of 3,333 chickens in a dirty chicken house, persists in the pursuit of her dreams (to sing, to swim, to fly) despite the discouragement of her peers, and in so doing leads them all to a more humane existence. Exquisite black-and-white illustrations with a contrasting gold border capture Henrietta's exuberant personality. This original parable will appeal to older children and adults.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen