Late of Smith's classic graphic novels, Smiley Bone leaves his cigar behind and makes the leap to picture books. Big, bright, vibrant pages see Smiley through a pleasant walk in the forest, where the musical chirp of a bird encourages some impromptu counting. As the count gets higher and the birds' garb becomes increasingly fanciful, Smiley lifts off the ground and joins them for a swooping, soaring excursion. A threatening bird of prey shows up, only to have Smiley go stern and, in a development sure to induce hilarity in many young readers, scare the living poop out of him. Smiley's return to the ground for a peaceful nap ties things up tranquilly. This is an unusually friendly and gentle story, wrapped in a lovely yet dynamic package. Smith's warmly embracing style proves a natural for picture books, and his sensibility is perfectly pitched to a younger readership. Smiley, whose nurturing, happy-go-lucky nature is fused into his comically rounded body and movements, should prove a wonderful new friend for the age group.

Color by Tom Gaadt. Smiley Bone (of Smith's graphic novels) stars in a large-paneled picture book that serves as both a counting book and an introduction to comics conventions. A dreaming Smiley climbs a tree toward, and then takes flight with, an increasing number of birds that then depart one by one after Smiley scares off a hawk. Cheery pastels create a pleasant, spring-like mood, despite the brief scariness.

Smiley, one of the three cousins from Smith-s comic saga Bone rescues a colorful flock of birds in this vividly drawn tale. Enjoying a stroll through the woods, Smiley hears songbirds singing and begins to count them. One purple bird sports a handsome top hat, the second is orange, the next three are yellow. He stops counting after a dozen and finds himself rising up in the air, able to soar joyously with the whole flock. When a hawk threatens, talons out, Smiley pulls up in front of it, sending it scuttling and winning the affection of the songbird crew. As so often happens, it-s all a dream. -Sometimes dreams are scary,- Smiley says, -but the good ones make it worth it!- It-s a simple story, but it has memorable elements: Smiley-s ability to fly, to become close to wild animals, to be the hero. Smith-s line is masterfully controlled, and each of Smiley-s emotions-interest, dismay, elation-will be clear even to the youngest viewers. The generous trim size further shows off the spreads, which have the appeal of classic Sunday funnies. Ages 3-5. (July)

PreS-Gr 1 This crisply illustrated picture book stars a character from Smith's award-winning series of graphic novels. Strolling through the woods on a beautiful day, Smiley, a blobby white cartoon character, decides to count the birds he hears singing (each bird tweets a musical note colored to match its feathers). By the time he gets to numbers seven and eight, Smiley is flapping his arms and flying along with the flock. After reaching 12, he gives up on enumerating and focuses on soaring through the blue sky surrounded by feathered friends. The mood changes when a raptor arrives and harries the frightened birds with sharp-looking talons and beak. Smiley confronts the predator, scaring the poop out of it (literally). Surrounded by the thankful birds, he counts down from 10, before gently descending to the ground and settling under a tree, sound asleep. Awakening, he realizes that it was all a dream, acknowledging, "Sometimes dreams are scary, but the good ones make it worth it." Full-page illustrations, some wordless and some sprinkled with dialogue balloons, convey the plot in a simple graphic novelstyle format, and the bright cartoon artwork has an engaging fluidity and energy. VERDICT Youngsters already acquainted with Smiley and the "Bone" universe will get the most of this adventure, but the book's positive message and exuberant presentation has broad appeal. Joy Fleishhacker, Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs