(3) K-3 Translated by Kathryn Grell. Illustrated by Philippe Goossens. This vividly illustrated tale of two canine friends follows their relentless attempt to create a welcoming castle that all in the meadow will visit--quite a task for a castle etched in dirt. Fox, Turkey, Donkey, and others share suggestions with the two friends, to whom young children will easily relate, on a journey through the gray area between imagination and reality.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) K-3 Translated by Kathryn Grell. Illustrated by Anne-Katrin Piepenbrink. A parrot overhears a zookeeper say that everyone must be careful with the zoo's new wild wombat. The parrot tells a seal, who embellishes the news for a chameleon, and so on, until the animals are literally running scared of what they imagine is a fierce monster. This fine original tale about gossip and gullibility features realistic images of both the terrified animals and what's inside their active imaginations.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Translated by Kathryn Grell. Illustrated by Alan Marks. Pale, soft illustrations show young Ben refusing his mother's offer of a series of bed buddies: cuddly stuffed animals and even a live dog. His choice--a terrible stuffed devil--stands out in red, green, and brown, complete with pointed tail. Ben chooses the devil to "scare away the ghosts and monsters and keep [him] safe." Although it's abrupt, the unexpected ending gives this bland story a lift.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian