They have done it again -- this sequel to "Diary of a Worm" is original and funny. All in all, Spider is a thoughtful arachnid who notices changes for the good since Grampa's time but wishes for an even better world where everyone would take the time to get to know each other and not "judge all spiders based on the few that bite."

3. HURRY AND THE MONARCH
By Antoine & Flatharta, Illustrated by Meilo So
Knopf, $14.95; Ages 4 to 8; ISBN: 0375830030

The brief but brilliant life of one of a million monarchs is seen through the eyes of a wise old tortoise, Hurry, who finds the life cycle of this creature as fascinating as it is different from his own life. The sweet, sometimes humorous dialogue between Hurry and the butterflies and gorgeous, somewhat impressionistic watercolors together paint scenes you have to see to believe.

4. I LOVE YOU, DUDE
By V. Radunsky
Gulliver/Harcourt, $16.00; Ages 4 to 8; ISBN: 0152051767

Dude aptly describes his journey as shoe-wearing elephant doodle who started out on a freshly painted wall and made his way to the home of a little girl, then on to a movie poster, the beach, the circus, and finally to a museum where all finally appreciate him. This fresh and wacky story is just as original in illustration as words, so readers end up with an experience found in no other book that I have ever seen.

5. NOT NORMAN: A GOLDFISH STORY
Candlewick, $15.99; Ages 4 to 8; ISBN: 0763623849

A boy who is given a goldfish for his birthday really just wants a pet that can fetch and sleep with you at night. Meanwhile, Norman, in his quiet, fishy way makes the boy laugh, keeps him company when he's scared, and is the only one who listens to his stories or appreciates his tuba playing. The pet that the boy never wanted (not Norman) becomes the pet he wouldn't trade for anything, no, not Norman. Enjoyable, bright cartoon-like illustrations place the expressive boy and fish center stage.

6. THE OTHER SIDE
Chronicle, $15.95; Age 4 and Up; ISBN: 0811846083

Things are not always as they seem in this avant-garde, wordless book. One page shows a view from inside a tiger's cage while the next page offers the perspective from the other side, but always with a fun, unexpected twist. Fine line drawings on backgrounds of white, gray, or muted green offer punches of color that offer clues to the mystery of what's what. Imagination reigns and even more, will trigger readers to look and see in new imaginative ways.

7. RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT
By Anastasia Suen, Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
Gulliver/Harcourt, $16.00; Ages 2 to 5; ISBN: 0152025820
The easy rhymes detail the comings and goings of cars, trucks, trains, and choppers in the busy town of a child's imagination. Richly colored acrylic paintings deftly bring to life the flow of traffic and the energy of the child's play. Will be enjoyed by all young car and truck enthusiasts, without a doubt.

8. A SPLENDID FRIEND, INDEED

By Suzanne Bloom
Boyds Mill Press, $15.95; Ages 4 to 8; ISBN: 1590782860

The cutest little goose you ever did see finds whatever a big, sullen polar bear is doing most interesting. In classic little-kid style, goose enthusiastically asks questions to the annoyed bear, who never says a word until goose finds a sweet way to touch his heart. Pastels create a furry white bear and a small cheerful goose that pop off blue backgrounds, making this expressive pair the stars of the show. A lovely book indeed.