Little Ben

Originally published in Switzerland, this is the tale of Ben, the smallest boy in his village. Frustrated because other children won't play with him and his parents brush aside his offers to help with tasks, Ben tries to compensate for his size. He buries himself in the compost heap, hoping he will grow; he climbs to the top of the roof in order to feel tall; and he makes a feeble attempt at riding his sister's large bike to impress the other kids. Eventually, with the help of some good luck and a crucial tip from his grandfather, Ben is accepted by the bigger children. Moers presents the spunky lad's misadventures in a series of somewhat disconnected scenarios, which makes for an annoyingly choppy text. Providing a welcome continuity are Corderoc'h's lighthearted illustrations of an old-world village and its pleasingly pudgy inhabitants. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)