"In a nutshell, we used go by the Julian calendar and they discovered it was in error. Pope Gregory demanded that it be changed but certain citizens in Europe refused to recognize the calendar and stuck with the old one and celebrated New Year's on April first. In France they were called "poissons de Avril" which means April fish because they were so easily caught. Eventually - but not until the 1920's or so - all the countries finally came in line and now everybody in the western world used the new calendar," explained Welling.

Welling does the illustrations for his books as well as the writing. He says they're meant to be educational, and they certainly offer children some history along with the fun. "The book appears on several levels. The story stands by itself for the kids. There are pictures in the background that are historic. It shows for instance in Michael, the ship that brought over the Statue of Liberty. There also is a glossary - there are 27 French words in there. But if you can't speak French they're off to the side like a voice balloon you see in a cartoon."

If you'd like to get an autographed book, head to Barnes and Noble on 82nd Street on Saturday night, when Welling will be doing a reading at 7:00 and 8:00 pm of two of his books. "Michael" will be at 8:00 pm.

See Peter J. Welling.com for more information.