Bulla's addition to the new Stepping Stone series opens as Gregory's family moves to a smaller house in a poorer part of town; the father has lost his factory job. There is no yard at the new house in which to play, but Gregory explores a nearly burnt-out building that formerly was a chalk factory. Gregory finds plenty of chalk in the debris as he cleans up, and the artist in him soars. Even though the kids at the new school don't accept him readily, Gregory is happyfor him the blackened walls of the building become his giant canvas. Bulla has created a gem of a book, without a wasted word anywhere. He conveys the yearning and passion of a young artist and the healing power of friendship in a story that goes straight to the heart. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-9. (October)

Gr 2-4 Children are in for a treat with these two books. In The Chalk Box Kid, Gregory is dealing with several problems. His family has to move after his father has lost his job, and his unliked Uncle Max moves in with them and shares Gregory's room. Bulla has done an excellent job of making this story upbeat and interesting, and of bringing Gregory's hard-working blue-collar family to life. Gregory reacts to his upsets by drawing a fantastic garden out of chalk on the walls of an abandoned building. His imagination and artistic talents help him immediately, and later, when admired by others, help him to gain a better self image and work out his problems. Readers are sure to sympathize with Gregory and the changes in his life. Teachers are portrayed as compassionate and interested in their students' welfare. Outstanding characterization plus a poignant story make this a particularly strong selection. Cameron has captured the same atmosphere in Julian's Glorious Summer as she did in The Stories Julian Tells (Pantheon, 1981). Julian is pleased that summer has arriveduntil his best friend Gloria rides by on a new bicycle. His fear of falling prohibits him from learning to ride, and he doesn't want Gloria to know. Cameron has done an excellent job of portraying children's fears and their desire to hide them. In both stories, the authors have dealt effectively and positively with children in difficult situations, but who have the support of caring adults. Two superb choices for readers going from easy readers to chapter books. Zenata W. Pierre, Portland Public Schools, Oreg.