Imagination must be celebrated. In the world of children's publishing, lofty imaginations reign. These fabulous new books are worth their weight in originality and fun.

"Cowboy & Octopus" by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith; Viking Children's Books; 32 pages; $16.99.

The amazingly creative duo of Scieszka and Smith has produced kid-friendly favorites such as "Math Curse" and "The Stinky Cheese Man." Always modern and hip with retro undertones, these two whiz "kids" of children's lit do it again in this tongue-in-cheek tale of "Cowboy meets Octopus. Cowboy and Octopus play." In the seven brief stories of "friendship, a good joke, truth, beauty and beans," the toy cowboy and octopus communicate with droll humor that will get kids muttering, "I get it!"

In "Help," Octopus needs Cowboy to hold an abstract sculpture of toys carefully so he can hammer it together. He instructs Cowboy, "When I nod my head, you hit it. OK?" Though Cowboy thinks the idea sounds "loco," he waits for Octopus' nod. Cowboy then hammers him right in the head, prompting poor Octopus to say, "Sometimes help from a friend isn't the best help!"

The hilarious vignettes are made even wackier by Smith's fantastic collage illustrations. Frame-worthy and similar to a vintage cartoon, the picture book's pages will keep preschoolers, and parents, coming back for more.

"The Arrival" by Shaun Tan; Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic; 122 pages; $19.99.

The current trend in the graphic novel should take note of this beautiful, wordless picture book — told intricately in silent filmlike pictures. Stunningly haunting and gorgeous black-and-white images present the sometimes scary, often hopeful and brave tale of immigrants from many countries as they sacrifice everything to begin new lives. Young readers will find the adult theme approachable and will discover much to ponder in the pages; adults will revel in Tan's childlike wonder behind his presentation.

Magic and surreal, "The Arrival" is must-see literature.

"Princess Alyss of Wonderland" by Agnes MacKenzie; Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin; 28 pages; $19.99.

What a treasure trove! Fans of "Alice in Wonderland," and of classic fantasy and whimsy, will find much to love in this scrapbook, filled with the collected letters, journal writings and vibrant art of "a lost princess." MacKenzie, "Historian Emeritus," tells the interactive tale of "a very real little princess named Alyss, who wished more than anything to keep the magic of Wonderland alive for herself and others."

But Alyss' journey is very different, as explained by MacKenzie: "if you have found my journal and intend to read further, be warned that these pages are meant only for those who wish to know the truth."

A lively, witty, incredibly fun romp through a fairy-tale land much like Wonderland, the book's foldout, archival letters, journal entries and tickets add realism and surprise to this gorgeous gift book for all ages.

"Iggy Peck, Architect" by Andrea Beaty; illustrated by David Roberts; Abrams Books for Young Readers; 32 pages; $15.95.

Irreverently funny, with rhyming text, Beaty tells of a boy who has built things since infancy; he concocted a tower out of dirty diapers. He soon moves on to a life-sized replica of the Great Sphinx on the front lawn. Then "Iggy got a bright gleam in his eye, and out on the porch built the St. Louis Arch, from pancakes and coconut pie."

When Iggy reaches second grade, his teacher tells of her disdain of architecture, (feelings left over from a field trip dilemma as a child), and forbids Iggy to build structures at school.

However, Iggy's passion saves the day during his class's trip to an island. After Miss Lila becomes stranded, Iggy and his classmates construct a bridge to save the day, prompting the newly grateful teacher to have second thoughts.

"It all became clear to Miss Lila Greer, as she crossed that bridge over the stream. There are worse things to do when you're in grade two than to spend your time building a dream," sings the satisfying text of this inspiring picture book. Roberts' abstract illustrations are just right, making "Iggy Peck, Architect" a winning collaboration.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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