One Morning

This first effort by a Japanese artist was awarded first prize in graphics at the Bologna Book Fair. It is a study in simplicity, with paper collages offset by a minimal text. Inspired by the phrase, ""Morning sunshine comes in through the small space under the door,'' the pictures show a cat and its owner starting their day. The reader may wonder which has the preferred routine, as the cat's owner rushes through coffee and forgets an umbrella, while the cat lounges cozily indoors watching the rain. The cat's viewpoint could just as easily be a child's, newly aware of getting-up-in-the-morning habits. Izawa's stark imagery and understated humor will appeal to both beginning readers and adults. (2-up)