The Dust Under Mrs. Merriweather's Bed

An unusual vertical layout and sprightly cut-paper collages grace this debut picture book. Grohmann jazzes up a simple concept--the cycle of seasons--with an imaginative story line featuring the energetically tidy Mrs. Merriweather, who inhabits the sky (represented in the top half of the book), and Kenny, a boy on the earth (the pages below). As the year progresses, Mrs. Merriweather engages in a variety of chores, such as dusting, embroidering by a bright lamp, airing out a room with a fan and watering her garden; below, Kenny correspondingly watches clouds, goes to the beach and soaks up the sun, rides his bicycle in an autumn wind, and enjoys a spring rain shower. Numerous amusing touches include a frolicsome cat in both spheres, and an entirely sky-blue palette for Mrs. Merriweather and her world. The clouds have been made from cotton wool (naturally), and crisp cut-paper technique gives the illustrations depth and energy. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)