Children's books reviewed By Molly DeCleene News-Chronicle "Trudi and Pia" Illustrated by Giselle Potter Adaptations copyright 2003 Most of us feel like outsiders at some point in our lives. As children, we may feel shy on our first day of school. As adolescents, we may feel awkward about our changing bodies. And as adults, we may feel uncomfortable about starting a new job and taking on all of its accompanying responsibilities. "Trudi and Pia," a picture book adapted from Ursula Hegi's best-selling 1994 novel "Stones from the River," speaks to that awkwardness in all of us. Trudi is a dwarf who is tired of literally looking up to her classmates, and equally tired of being noticed for her stature, rather than her talents. When Trudi meets Pia - a lion tamer for a traveling circus - she is ecstatic. Why? Because Pia is a dwarf, too. The girls share their stories and soon become friends. Giselle Potter's colorful and touching illustrations, coupled with Pia's advice to Trudi, show the reader that a person can belong anywhere and with anyone - as long as she loves herself. "Trudi and Pita" is a beautiful and moving story that will speak to the young and the old alike. "There's a Frog in My Throat! 440 Animal Sayings a Little Bird Told Me" Written by Laureen Leedy and Pat Street Illustrated by Laureen Leedy Copyright 2003 Forgive me for borrowing a phrase from the authors, but "There's a Frog in My Throat!" is the cat's pajamas. Laureen Leedy and Pat Street have taken common, and not so common, idiomatic expressions involving animals and illustrated them in a way that will make the reader roar with laughter. Frogs, dogs, cats, bats, clams, lambs and more can be found on the pages, saying things like "The fur is going to fly!" (Translation: There will be a big fight) and "I've been fleeced" (Translation: I've been swindled). Unfortunately, Leedy and Street do not give the origins of the idioms listed. Such information would have been a great addition to this lively book. The authors do give brief explanations of literary devices such as similes, metaphors and idioms, however. It is that information and the whimsical illustrations that make "There's a Frog in My Throat!" an entertaining and educational read. "Clarabella's Teeth" Written and illustrated by An Vrombaut Copyright 2003 An Vrombaut's illustrations, which look as though they were done with a box of brightly colored chalk sticks, really carry this short and rather odd story about a crocodile named - you guessed it - Clarabella, who is so busy brushing her teeth (crocodiles have more than most creatures, after all), she misses play time, lunch time and tumble time with her alliteratively named friends Ruby Rabbit, Max the Monkey, Liam the Leopard and Zoë the Zebra. Clarabella looks first intent, then concerned, then vexed as she "brushes and brushes and brushes her teeth." Fortunately, Clarabella's friends help her find a way to clean her chompers and have time to play. The answer? A crocodile-sized toothbrush. Who knew? "Clarabella's Teeth" is a good short book to read to your children at bedtime when they are tired or restless and aren't in the mood to settle in for something longer. "Why Do Kittens Purr?" Written by Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by Henry Cole Copyright 2003 Brief, rhyming text and simple, beautiful illustrations come together to create pure magic in this picture book. A nameless boy curiously peers at animals ranging from kittens and puppies, to spiders and bees, to rabbits and wolves, in an attempt to understand why they do what they do. Why do kittens purr? Because they're happy deep inside their fur. Why do spiders spin? To make a plate to keep their dinner in. Why do wolves cry, "Owoo-oo-oo"? To say, "We're over here. Where are you-ou-ou"? The story offers something extra to the keen observer. All of the "real" animals the boy encounters are really stuffed toys nestled in his bed. "Why Do Kittens Purr?" is not a scientific book by any means, but it is an enchanting read. DeCleene is a children's librarian at the Ashwaubenon Library. For ideas and comments, contact her at [email protected]."