Berkeley Breathed ("Bloom County") continues his successful second lifeas a first-rate children's storyteller. In the spirit of A Wish for Wings That Work andRed Ranger Came Calling,Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big celebrates Breathed's ample cartooning skillwhile incorporating a more weighty, atmospheric style to tell a simple storythat makes intelligent use of both. Energetic, silly, "Bloom County"-esquecaricatures provide contrast to some truly impressive set pieces, fat with colorand playfully composed. And that's just the illustrations.Edwurd's hilarious story is told by his overlooked little sister Fannie: "From along line of liars, there's none higher upper... / Than my fibbing big brother,/ The Edward Fudwupper." This accomplished yarn-spinner just can't seem to stophimself, "like the time he fibbed big / And told Ben and Dinky / That I had beenborne by / A poodle named Stinky." But after an accident in the den with Mom'sporcelain pig, Edwurd goes too far and implicates a couple of "passionateporkers" from Pluto. Soon the military arrives in full force, "with planes andwith tanks and with loud whirligigs!" (Not to mention a very serious-lookinghelicopter with a banner encouraging the frightened populace below to "STAYCALM.") But this proves to be the least of Edwurd's worries, and in the end it'sup to brave Fannie to save the day with a fib of her very own. (Ages 4 to 8)--Paul Hughes