Two anniversaries show how durable kids’ book characters can be.

“Little Critter Storybook Collection” (HarperFestival, $9.99) and “Growing Up with Blue” (Simon Spotlight/Nick Jr., $10.95) celebrate the continuing popularity of series that were grabbing attention a decade or more ago. That both multi-story editions are filled with still-fresh scenarios is a tribute to their creators.

Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter, now marking his 30th year with this volume, is a well-meaning tyke who manages to take problem situations and turn them into home runs. But he’s no goody-goody. Before he finds the winning solution, he always screws something up.

Little Critter has numerous skirmishes in these seven stories. He tackles monsters under the bed and weighs the benefits of nutrition. And even now, as summer swelters, his battles with his little sister to build a snowman is such a telling tale of sibling confrontation that kids will feel right in their element.

A mixture of maniacal messes – Little Critter is good at creating chaos – and good-hearted efforts, these short tales are universal in their appeal. Thirty years hasn’t caused the character’s hijinks to be any less relevant or funny.

Mayer’s expression-filled faces will resound with children, who will relate to frustrated scowls and toothy grins. Likewise, they will respond with recognition to the picture of Little Critter in a home-made rocket ship that simply won’t fly. This book chronicles every child’s biggest dreams and funniest flops.

In Blue’s Clues 10th anniversary book, seven first-experience tales give preschoolers insight into what it’s like to visit the doctor, have a birthday party, and try to get over a cold, as well as other situations. Creators Traci Paige Johnson and Angela Santomero came up with an endearing and enduring heroine in puppy Blue, who faces each new hurdle with spunk.

In the most unusual story, Blue helps out friend Magenta, who needs glasses and is afraid of visiting Dr. Eyeleen. The story tackles a perennial problem: what to do when you’re different than your friends.

Magenta’s blurred vision is rapidly cured by some cool purple glasses that Blue helps pick out. Countless parents will be overjoyed to find this story, which reassures kids that wearing glasses can make life a much brighter place.

“Blue’s Sniffly Day” espouses the benefits of a sudsy bar of soap and a bowl of hot soup. Never has the ordinary worked so extraordinarily well.

Fortunately, the messages never get in the way of having a festive day. The cheery pages are filled with a rainbow of colors and sunny times for all.