Phaidon takes a sure step into the children's book arena with this entirely engaging volume, a winning combination of writing, translating and illustrating that gives youngsters a flavor of France (where it has been a bestseller since its 1959 publication). Goscinny's (Asterix
) collection of 19 linked tales stars high-spirited narrator Nicholas, a French schoolboy who, along with his classmates, has a knack for landing in trouble. Seemingly quotidian situations in Nicholas's life yield riotous repercussions, as the incessant squabbling among the youngsters tends to result in a delightful domino effect, until events culminate in a comedic climax. A disastrous class photo session drives the photographer away before he snaps the shot, a pick-up soccer game sends the kids bickering about their positions until they're finally set (then realize they have no ball), and a new boy in class who doesn't speak English spouts the off-color language he has picked up from his peers. The hero's recurring references to several students function as humorous comic bits (such as Alec, "my friend who is fat and he likes eating" or Cuthbert, who "is top of the class and we're not crazy about him, but we can't hit him because he wears glasses"). New Yorker
and Paris Match
artist Sempé's droll line drawings reinforce the text's exuberance, and Bell's translation gives the narrative a wry British spin. And there's additional good news: the publisher has scheduled more Nicholas adventures for future release. Ages 9-12. (July)
