Books: Transgressive Titles for Tots

When a young boy is invited to picnic with the King of France, all his family want to join in. So, his three aunts, proud papa, and two big dogs travel across the country of France to dine with the King. How does the whole party end up in their underpants? You’ll have to read "The Day We Danced in Underpants" to find out! This hilarious title is published by Tricycle Press, a division of Ten Speed Press. It's written by Sarah Wilson and illustrated by Catherine Stock. 32 pages, hardback. Publication date: June 2008

"Animal Band" begins innocently enough. The family has left the house, and the house pets are grabbing instruments to play a tune. But soon even the zoo animals are joining in the fun. How far will this animal menagerie go (and how loud will it become)? This colorful, hip picture book, written and illustrated by Christopher Jennings, will have youngsters rock-n-roll’n all day long. 32 pages, hardback. Publication date: March 2008.

"Oh, Brother!" is a collection of poems by Nikki Grimes that simultaneously tells the story of two stepbrothers. Thrown together and labeled “family,” will these two young strangers, Xavier and Chris, ever get along? This 32-page hardback book, illustrated by Mike Benny, is sure to interest all reluctant poetry readers. Launch date: Dec. 26, 2007.

Barbara Park, author of the Junie B. Jones series as well as many other humorous books, writes this rhyming tale from the point of view of a baby not yet born. "Ma! There’s Nothing to Do Here!" is a fun, silly look at what a baby’s life might be while it’s waiting to “come out and play.” It's ilustrated by Viviana Garofoli. 40 pages, hardback. Publication date: late January 2008.

Frances Lincoln Publishers, located in London, England, has put together an art class in a book aptly named "Art School." The author, Mick Manning, was the Head of Illustration at the Glasgow School of Art. Children will learn how to paint self-portraits and still-lifes, as well as create their own sculptures. The 48-page hardback is illustrated by Brita Granstrom. Launch date: February 2008.

Little ones who fling peas, push peas, smoosh peas — anything but eat them — will love "Night of the Veggie Monster." When one little boy refuses to eat his peas, he turns into a veggie monster. Children and their parents will enjoy every pea-turning page of this new picture book written and illustrated by George McClements. The hardback is 32 pages. Launch date: April 2008.