One of the best things about children's picture books is that there are so many to choose from.

Whether a retelling of a classic fable, the true story of friendship or a celebration of the written word, three new selections offer something for everyone.

"THE LION & THE MOUSE," by Jerry Pinkney, Little, Brown, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

"A picture is worth a thousand words" is one of those phrases that people seem to throw around. But in "The Lion & the Mouse," by Jerry Pinkney, that's exactly the case.

This adaptation of the beloved Aesop fable is told entirely in beautiful illustrations. Here, polar opposites join forces and learn that no good deed goes undrewarded.

After a ferocious lion spares a timid mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap.

In the case of "The Lion & the Mouse," words would serve as a distraction. Pinkney's expressive depictions of the lion and mouse give the animals character while maintaining realism.

Staging his book in the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya, Pinkney transports his audience from their living room to the wilds with the turn of a page, making this picture book perfect for readers of all skill levels.

"TARRA & BELLA: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends," by Carol Buckley, Putnam Juvenile $16.99 (ages 4-8)

Tarra and Bella are another unlikely pair that will excite young readers.

Before Tarra met Bella, Tarra was a circus elephant. After 20 years of entertaining, Tarra was ready for a well-deserved break. So in 1995, she became the first resident of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

When other elephants arrived at the sanctuary, Tarra would greet and show them around. Tarra needed a special friend, but the elephants paired off together, leaving her alone.

That changed when Tarra met a stray dog named Bella. The two hit it off immediately — eating, sleeping and doing everything else together.

This true story of friendship is told through touching color photographs of Tarra and Bella at home in the Elephant Sanctuary. And beyond a fun picture book, a section on the sanctuary serves as a further educational tool.

"OUNCE DICE TRICE," by Alastair Reid and illustrations by Ben Shahn, NYR Children's Collection, $15.95 (ages 9-12)

Author Alastair Reid has a fascination with words that he'd like to share with you. And not just any words, although those are interesting, too, but also curiosities, old words no longer used and words he thinks should exist.

Paired with black-and-white illustrations, these tongue-twisting collections of letters may just make you want to create your own concoction of words.

"Ounce Dice Trice" is quirky and unconventional. With poetry and illustrations reminiscent of Shel Silverstein, this book is a witty and fun ride for the entire family.

e-mail: jharrison@desnews.com