Originally published in 1963, and back just in time for Valentine's Day, The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Norton Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth) once again bursts on the scene. Using only black and red, Juster tells the poignant yet humorous tale of a straight line in love with a red dot, and the line's attempts to woo her away from a slothful squiggle. Much merriment will be had by all before the hero gets his girl. ; Jan.)

This small volume describes the attraction a "sensible straight line" feels for a "frivolous dot." It's only when the straight line learns to bend (and form complex designs) that he wins over the dot. This allegory, illustrated with primitive line drawings and occasional reproductions, seems best suited as a novelty book for adults.