Zabajaba Jungle

Like most of Steig's books, very odd and wonderful. Leonard's adventures with a jungle of snakes, a strange bird and other odd creatures are bizarre and dream-like while at the same time quite matter-of-fact. Anyone might encounter his parents trapped under a bell-jar in the middle of a jungle, peacefully reading the newspaper. A wonderful book because it treats odd and potentially scary things in a very matter-of fact way, as nothing Leonard can't handle, although he does once wish he was home. At my house recently, a 4 year old, a 6 year old and a 9 year old were simultaneously captivated by this book. I love the odd plot line, which just keeps going until it's done -- sort of like a dream.