Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big (Storyopolis Books)

Berkeley Breathed ("Bloom County") continues his successful second life as a first-rate children's storyteller. In the spirit of A Wish for Wings That Work and Red Ranger Came Calling, Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big celebrates Breathed's ample cartooning skill while incorporating a more weighty, atmospheric style to tell a simple story that makes intelligent use of both. Energetic, silly, "Bloom County"-esque caricatures provide contrast to some truly impressive set pieces, fat with color and playfully composed. And that's just the illustrations.

Edwurd's hilarious story is told by his overlooked little sister Fannie: "From a long line of liars, there's none higher upper... / Than my fibbing big brother, / The Edward Fudwupper." This accomplished yarn-spinner just can't seem to stop himself, "like the time he fibbed big / And told Ben and Dinky / That I had been borne by / A poodle named Stinky." But after an accident in the den with Mom's porcelain pig, Edwurd goes too far and implicates a couple of "passionate porkers" from Pluto. Soon the military arrives in full force, "with planes and with tanks and with loud whirligigs!" (Not to mention a very serious-looking helicopter with a banner encouraging the frightened populace below to "STAY CALM.") But this proves to be the least of Edwurd's worries, and in the end it's up to brave Fannie to save the day with a fib of her very own. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes