In this spin on "The Three Little Pigs," each of three pugs tries to deter a pesky cat from sleeping in the wee doggies' basket: one lines it with (drinking) straws, another with "sticks" (pencils, drumsticks, etc.), the third with "bricks" (building blocks). This simple tale, with clutter-free art and an everybody's-happy resolution, is a grand starter-folktale for toddlers.

Both playful and sophisticated, this picture book from the creators of Can I Eat That? and What-s Cooking? combines an architectural tour with an existential quest in a story with an unusual protagonist: a small red brick. Growing up in the city, Brick marvels at the tall structures and wonders -where she fit in to all of this. What great things might she become?- Her mother offers some profound reassurance: -Great things begin with small bricks.- But Brick needs to find her own meaning, and she sets off on a journey, visiting famous brick structures around the world in search of belonging. Eventually, an all-roads-lead-to-home sentiment sets Brick happily back where she started, helping to pave the way for future adventurers. Combining ink lines with deeply saturated blocks of color, the uncluttered illustrations provide a stylish showcase of architectural structures, which are further explained in an appendix. Though the themes of finding a path and purpose in life are overt, this unusual, creative title may strike a chord with a wide audience, from young kids discovering their talents to new graduates. Ages 3-5. (June)