Michael Muller is a photographer, collage artist, and proprietor of the Mirabelle line of greeting cards. He and Mirabelle, a real Boston terrier, began their lives together in 2006. They live in Washington, D.C., and online at adventuresofmirabelle.com. The smart look of the Mirabelle books is as original and iconic as Mirabelle herself, combining strong black lines, bright spots of color, and bits of photography to create seamless collages. The text of each story is a dialogue between Mr. Muller, who asks questions, and Mirabelle, who replies with her actions--perfect prompts for parents to take the Mr. Muller part and the child to answer in the role of Mirabelle. Muller and Mirabelle will be at Books & Books this afternoon to read from: Mirabelle Goes For a Walk and Mirabelle and the Bouncy Ball (Workman, $6.95)

Mirabelle and Mr. Muller know what every little kid knows-- the simplest thing can be endlessly fascinating and fun.