Though the long-running hardcover Complete Peanuts series concludes this season, the paperbacks launch into the 1960s Schulz adds two new cast members: The obnoxious Frieda, of "naturally curly hair" fame, and her inert, seemingly boneless cat Faron. The rapidly maturing Sally, who was just born in the previous volume, is ready to start kindergarten and not at all happy about it. Linus' life is particularly turbulent, as he is forced to wear glasses, sees the unexpected return of his beloved Miss Othmar, and coaxes Sally into the cult of the Great Pumpkin (with regrettable results). Snoopy, meanwhile, becomes a compulsive water sprinkler head stander, unhappily befriends a snowman or two, and endures a family crisis involving a little family of birds. Plus baseball blowouts (including a rare team victory), Beethoven birthdays, and plenty of dubious psychiatric help for a nickel.