Oliver

First published in Holland, this minimalist story created by the U.S. publisher of Handprint Books introduces Oliver, an egg whose options are few. "Oliver was an egg. There was nothing he could do about it." His mobility is limited ("He could roll to one side. He could roll to the other"), and his white, oval shape against blank white pages emphasizes his lackluster existence. But a ribbon mechanism in the final spreads (which feels a little superfluous) reveals Oliver's transformation: "one day, everything changed (because miracles happen)," and a yellow chick appears in place of the egg. The contrast between the self-conscious egg and the bright yellow chick underscores the miraculous nature of its transition. Ages 1–up. (Apr.)