One Magic Box

This new effort from the husband-and-wife creators of The Amazing Animal Alphabet Book begins when a magic box falls from the sky. The fancifully colored object generates a lot of interest--four policemen puzzle over it, along with seven lumberjacks, 10 flying saucers and 13 fat acrobats, to name a few. Finally, Count Magic appears, claims the box, and everyone hops inside until all that's left is . . . one magic box. The simple story line has a satisfying symmetry, and the Chouinards' deliciously warped visions--carried out in highly original illustrations full of skewed perspectives and oddly assorted creatures--are sublimely silly. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)