A Child's Year

The publication of these six Little Golden Books, released to commemorate the imprint's 50th anniversary, is indeed cause for celebration. The work of this impressive roundup of gifted authors and illustrators appears in the line's familiar format, featuring sturdy covers, a patterned foil spine and a low cover price. Each title's writing and illustrations are representative of its well-known creator's style. The books range from Scarry's trademark, amusing presentation of clearly labeled words and busy pictures, to Anita Lobel's more understated, elegantly illustrated rendition of how Pierrot the clown offers his garden's alphabetically gathered bounty to his beloved Pierrette. Of all these worthy additions--bound to become staples of Little Golden Books's backlist--the standout is Pocketful of Nonsense , which combines traditional rhymes and songs with Marshall's sparkling, original ditties--all illustrated with his inimitable, expressive animals and silly, buck-toothed kids. Ages 2-5. (June)