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A Season of Stories

Marquee picture books debuting early this spring

By Karyn M. Peterson -- Gifts and Dec, 3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Spring is a season of new beginnings. And for children's book publishers, 2008 is no exception, with dozens of delightful new picture books poised to hit retail in the coming months. For the best of both worlds, stock up on the continuing adventures of some of kid lit's favorite protagonists, as well as tales featuring plenty of new characters.

Jon Scieszka's Smash! Crash! marks the debut of Trucktown, a new preschool/kindergarten series illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon that will include paperbacks, novelty, activity and picture books of a distinctive world where all the characters are trucks. In this first title, best friends Jack and Dan spend their days smashing and crashing … until a new truck comes to town. Will she be their friend? ($16.99) Simon & Schuster, New York

In John J. Muth's Zen Ties, the latest picture book from the acclaimed creator of Zen Shorts, The Three Questions and Stone Soup, giant panda Stillwater has more lessons to teach his siblings about compassion and understanding. Rendered in the lushly beautiful watercolors Muth is known for, the tale of Stillwater's friendship with a cranky elderly neighbor—and its unexpected rewards—is a heartwarming addition to any child's library. ($14.99) Scholastic, New York

Stanley at Sea is the third exciting installment for scruffy, adventurous pooch Stanley, written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Bill Slavin. In this year's outing, a picnic in the park—and a trail of delicious smells leading to tasty treats—attracts Stanley and his friends to an empty boat on the river, which promptly unmoors and carries them out into the open water. How will they ever find their way back home again? ($16.95) Kids Can Press, Tonawanda, N.Y.

In No! That's Wrong!, the first picture book written by China's picture book illustrating team Zhaohua Ji and Cui Xu, the crux of the matter is, “When is a hat, not a hat?” (And when are underpants not underpants?) This creative, playful and easy-to-read tale of Rabbit and how he learns to trust his instincts makes a hilarious choice for children's read-alouds. Even the end papers are funny! ($15.95) Kane/Miller, La Jolla, Calif.

In the clever and humorous Help Me, Mr. Mutt!: Expert Answers for Dogs with People Problems, written by sisters and frequent picture book collaborators Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel (and illustrated by Janet Stevens), Canine Counselor Mr. Mutt's advice column helps out dogs in despair. But who will advise him on how to solve his own problem, that of the household cat (a.k.a. The Queen)? ($17) Harcourt, New York

On the Farm brings the entire barnyard to life—from the rooster to the family dog to the snake hiding in the garden—through sweet lyrical verse by New York Times bestselling children's author David Elliot, as well as distinctive woodcut and watercolor illustrations by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Holly Meade, in her first-ever use of the technique for a picture book. ($16.99) Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass.

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly, the latest from bestselling author Jane O'Connor and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser, finds the outrageously popular heroine coping with disappointment: her grandparents' 50th anniversary party is the same day as her friend's spectacularly fancy Butterfly Birthday party. What is Nancy to do? Delightful language and vibrant illustrations throughout, plus a glitter-filled jacket cover, enhance its appeal. ($16.99) HarperCollins, New York

Mary Jane Begin's Willow Buds #1: The Tale of Toad and Badger, the first in a series of original friendship stories for young readers, brings the beloved characters of Kenneth Grahame's classic The Wind in the Willows into an engaging picture book format. The childhood adventures of Ratty, Toady, Badger and Mole get underway just in time to celebrate the original story's 100th anniversary. ($14.99) Little, Brown and Co., New York

The Jellybeans and the Big Dance, the first title in what will be an ongoing series from Nate Evans and New York Times bestselling author Laura Numeroff, is a charming tale of friendship. Engaging illustrations by Lynn Munsinger draw readers in to the story of enthusiastic dancer Emily, tomboy Nicole, artistic Bitsy and shy bookworm Anna, who team up for a successful recital.($15.95) Abrams, New York

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