Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big
Berkeley Breathed ("Bloom County") continues his successful second life  as a first-rate children's storyteller. In the spirit ofA Wish for Wings That WorkandRed Ranger Came Calling,Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Bigcelebrates Breathed's ample cartooning skill  while incorporating a more weighty, atmospheric style to tell a simple story  that makes intelligent use of both. Energetic, silly, "Bloom County"-esque  caricatures provide contrast to some truly impressive set pieces, fat with color  and playfully composed. And that's just the illustrations.Edwurd's hilarious story is told by his overlooked little sister Fannie: "From a  long line of liars, there's none higher upper... / Than my fibbing big brother,  / The Edward Fudwupper." This accomplished yarn-spinner just can't seem to stop  himself, "like the time he fibbed big / And told Ben and Dinky / That I had been  borne by / A poodle named Stinky." But after an accident in the den with Mom's  porcelain pig, Edwurd goes too far and implicates a couple of "passionate  porkers" from Pluto. Soon the military arrives in full force, "with planes and  with tanks and with loud whirligigs!" (Not to mention a very serious-looking  helicopter with a banner encouraging the frightened populace below to "STAY  CALM.") But this proves to be the least of Edwurd's worries, and in the end it's  up to brave Fannie to save the day with a fib of her very own. (Ages 4 to 8)--Paul Hughes