Small and independent publishers often get overlooked in the publicity drive that sells many children's books. Still, books from smaller companies can be carefully written, unique works of art and information. These new stories are certainly every bit as entertaining as books from famous authors and artists.

“Johnny Art: The Art of Johnny Swager,” (64 pages and $29.95), and “My Saturday Adventure,” (32 pages and $19.95), by Johnny Swager; Enfantino Publishing.

Seven-year-old Johnny Swager possesses a refreshing yet advanced-beyond-his-years skill in art. The young native of Liberty Lake, Wash., offers a vividly appealing picture book that's a biography and gallery in one. His watercolors are full of childlike vigor and subjects interesting to kids. His fabulous “Bubble Whale” painting is a frameworthy whale that Johnny liked because he has “bubbles all over him.” His “Alien Spy” “came to earth from Mars to take pictures of us.” His brother's feet were used as subjects in “Flip-Flops.”

Johnny also presents painting tips — he used a credit card to make a horse's mane look real — and brief backgrounds on his motivations behind each picture. Besides its pure and joyful entertainment value, what is the best thing about this wonderful picture book? That many kids will see Johnny as a super example of what they can do if they just try.

Enfantino Publishing is also starting a story series called “Johnny's Adventure Books,” which begins with “My Saturday Adventure.” A thoroughly engaging bug-filled romp through his mom's garden, Johnny's childlike illustrations and authentic voice showcase his love of bugs.

If you can't find the books in local bookstores, visit www.johnnyart.com or www.artbuyerimru.com.

“Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain” by Sylvia Lieberman; illustrated by Jeremy Wendell; Seven Locks Press; $18.

Archibald Mouse pushes his mother's boundaries when he ventures out of their mouse hole and into a grocery store to forage for food. Archibald dreams of becoming the King of Swiss Cheese Mountain at the store, and has to learn the hard way after finding himself in several dangerous predicaments — like almost getting sliced by the grocer while lounging about in a towering hunk of cheese.

Eventually the adorable mouse appreciates momma's wisdom: that what seems easy is not always the most desirable. It's also a gentle cautionary tale for kids who long for independence but need to stay safe.

Lieberman writes in a lively, never preachy, fashion, and Wendell's colorful pages help make this a super read-aloud for families and schools.

For more information or to find the book, visit www.archibaldmousebooks.com.

“Bed Bugs Don't Bite” and “Counting Sheep Doesn't Make Me Sleep” by Paul E. Weathington; illustrated by Jonathan Bass; JuneKat Books; 44 pages; $18.99 hardcover; $9.99 softcover.

For years, parents have put their kids to bed with “sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite” and “try counting sheep if you can't sleep.” Kids, however, may question these suggestions, as they do in Atlanta attorney Paul Weathington's new books. In “Bed Bugs Don't Bite,” a brother and sister encounter a partying group of ladybugs, which are unlike the spooky bedbugs they've been warned about.

In “Counting Sheep Doesn't Make Me Sleep,” a young boy wonders why he should count sheep. Instead, he envisions “sunny days without end and just enough rain for the grass to mend,” his favorite teams winning, and a bevy of other scenes that make more sense to him than counting “cute furry lambs.”

Both adorable, rhyming tales are perfect for bedtime reading; Weathington's books include other titles as well. Visit www.junekatbooks.com for more information and how to order. Shipping is included in above prices.

“Smart-Opedia Junior: The Amazing Book About Everything” from Maple Tree Press; 184 pages; $24.95.

Dr. Seuss might call this all-encompassing book a “un-cyclopedia” for children ages 5 to 8. From the human skeleton to the Amazon rain forest, to more mundane but equally intriguing subjects — what happens at the supermarket, the movies and the museum — the book answers many types of questions. Festooned with cartoonlike, colorful illustrations aimed at youngsters, “Smart-Opedia Junior” is divided into over 70 thought-provoking subjects presented in a simple manner, which is arranged from the inside out. Readers first learn about their own bodies, then their own families, communities and world.

Activities, sidebars, number time bubbles, day in the life pages and “what about you?” bubbles add accessibility. Slightly older siblings, ages 8 to 12, will equally enjoy the bestselling “Smart-Opedia.”

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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.