When Life literally arrives in a wooden crate on the front porch, it's hard to know exactly what to do with it, but that's all part of the fun! In this case, Life is embodied by an adorably furry being with a penchant for mirth and mischief. Life's young, ungendered caretaker is at first astonished and then charmed by the creature's arrival, and they're soon following Life on all its adventures. The pair bounce from one life-related adage to another, each of which is comically illustrated r example, "Life gets messy" is accompanied by a delighted Life covered in cake and frosting. The text includes almost every adage imaginable, but the ultimate message is that life, with its mix of the weird and wonderful, is always beautiful. Doerrfeld's soft illustrations are goofy and lively, capturing the energy and silliness of Life itself. A terrific reminder to readers of all ages that life, in all forms, is worth treasuring.

In this idiomatic adventure, Life is an impish, furry, and highly mutable critter that, when it emerges from a mysterious crate (one that pops up -when you least expect it-), not only charges toward the young protagonist fast, but also adds a big, slurpy kiss. Life arrives with no instructions, of course, and promptly launches the protagonist on a whirlwind series of vignettes set against a white background--You never know where Life-s gonna take you,- Dyckman (Dandy) writes as the two bounce from Lady Liberty to Pisa-s leaning tower. As the meaning-of-life clichés deliberately pile up-who knew there were so many?-it-s up to Doerrfeld (Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!) to give them a visual boost; she accomplishes this through crayonlike digital drawings that are by turns semifigurative interpretations (in -Life is what you make it!- Life turns into a raft that takes the child for an exhilarating waterfall ride) and naughtily literal (for -Your whole Life can flash before your eyes,- Life moons the child). The mood is always upbeat-or, at the very least, maintains a -dust yourself off and keep going- attitude-with plenty of reminders that whatever life is, it is for sure one wild ride. Ages 4-8. Author-s agent: Scott Treimel, Scott Treimel NY. Illustrator-s agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. (Mar.)