By Ann-Marie Stillion

Sumo Mouse, written and illustrated by David Wisniewski, published by Chronicle Books, 2002. In this wild and wooly story, we find out where the "squeaks" of our childhood toys come from. The evil Tiger Tanaka sends his henchmen to a sumo match, where we learn that Gachinko means "crash bang." And there's plenty of crashing and banging in this book.

Based on the traditions of sumo wrestling and researched right down to the signage of a modern Japanese downtown, the author hits the bull's eye with this cartoon book, which is a riot of paper-cut illustrations. I found myself staring into the page as if it were a canyon, so abundant is the imagery. Tsunami waves, explosions and fight scenes -- all of it paper doilies on steroids. Sumo Mouse dances from page to page with verve and fantastic colors.

Mixing a little secret with adventure never hurt, and makes for an even taller tale. Just right for adventurous boys and girls with unmatched imaginations.


Ruby's Wish, by Shirin Yim Bridges, illustrated by Sophie Blackall, published by Chronicle Books, 2002. Ruby takes place in China long ago when the story begins. Immediately we know that Ruby is a little girl with dreams that go beyond the ordinary. Ruby loves the color red and always finds ways to wear it, no matter what.

I find that a good picture book must have compelling moments in which readers want to pause and reflect. In Ruby, this moment comes when we find her deep in winter, looking sadly into a pond of carp and thinking about her future. One little girl in a huge family can stand out, the author wisely points out. This book is both a children's story and an allegory.

Another defining moment is when her grandfather asks her to explain why she has written a poem about how boys are always treated better. The kindness and sensitivity with which this issue was handled was touching and clear. It gives readers a way to go beyond what we are handed in life.


Raymond's Perfect Present, by Therese On Louie, illustrated by Suling Wing, published by Lee and Low Books, 2002. The story follows a little boy who lives alone with his sick mother. At first glance, the theme seems a little grim, but the illustrations and values portrayed throughout help the book shine in a unique way.

The boy, Raymond, discovers pleasure in growing plants, despite living in the cramped quarters of a city apartment, and struggles with the real emotions of a son concerned for his mom. There's nothing fancy or earth-shattering about Raymond's story, just the illumination of daily challenges in a wholesome way. The "perfect present" turns out to be something neither he nor we expect, and that is the best story of all.

The illustrations are so vivid they seem almost cinematic. I look forward to seeing other efforts by this accomplished illustrator who graduated with a degree in engineering from Stanford University and a degree in illustration from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco.