Voyage Under the Stars

Paprika, a boy similar to Saint-Exupery's Little Prince, wanders solitary through his barren surroundings--the only other inhabitant appears to be ``one sad little monkey'' at a closed circus. The lonely lad falls asleep beneath the stars on the beach and awakens to find himself nestling in a crescent moon. What follows is pure magic, as Paprika makes friends, first with a goose named Gertrude and then with Gertrude's animal friends at the circus. After a brief adventure that includes a nocturnal ride on a ``wonderful ship,'' Paprika is left with the assurance that his friends, especially Gertrude, will be there tomorrow. Though Pittau's book evinces a timelessness and a sweetness, his story--and its presentation here--may be a bit too subtle and sophisticated for youngsters. Rendered in gentle blues, grays and yellows, Gervais's artless, softly shaded illustrations blend attractively with the text. The reassuring ending will content little ones, but unfortunately the message of friendship and sharing seems derivative. Ages 4-up. (May)