Oliver's Bicycle

This trio introduces Oliver, an energetic koala bear clad in red overalls. In each book he faces a minor dilemma: it takes him so long to fill his inflatable pool that it's dark outside by the time he finishes; someone is eating the strawberries from his beloved patch; and, trying to amuse himself on a rainy day, he breaks his bicycle while riding it down the stairs. Krings's solutions to Oliver's predicaments are as uncomplicated as the accompanying paintings, which feature bold colors but little background detail. This simplicity--also evident in the volumes' minimal text--is well suited to the preschool audience. Ages 2-5. (Apr.)