(3) K-3 Translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. Illustrated by Marc Boutavant. When squirrel Edmond and owl George spot the Thing (it resembles a furry red haystack with eyes) across the river, they flee in fear. When George decides to don a disguise and investigate, he ends up frightening his neighbors. A giddy skewering of xenophobia, this story (originally published in French) features homey, vaguely retro art that calls to mind the best of early Little Golden Books.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. Illustrated by Marc Boutavant. Shy squirrel Edmond lives in a tree trunk making jam and pompoms. Owl George lives above Edmond; Harry the bear lives below. When Harry throws a party, George encourages Edmond to venture out of his house, and Edmond discovers there's more than just jam and pompoms that suits him. Bright, retro-style illustrations give Edmond an energetic air in this odd French import.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pauline Martin. This French import presents a series of vignettes about Hamster and friends Mole, Snail, and Hedgehog, among others. Self-absorbed Hamster's concerns about food and his upcoming birthday party contrast with his pals' philosophical musings about nature, friendship, and loyalty. The book's oversized trim size and clean cartoon-panel design are appealing, but the content is a little esoteric for the picture book set.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty