We tested the relation between metaphorical thinking and physiognomic perception in young children (ages 4-7) in 2 studies. Physiognomic perception was assessed using M. A. Wallach and N. Kogan's (1965) Free Description of Stick Figures, and metaphorical thinking was assessed using the Kogan, Connor, Gross, and Fava (1980) Metaphorical Triads Task (MTT). Physiognomic perception scores were a good predictor of metaphorical thinking. Whereas a marked decrement in performance on the MTT was found on making the transition to Grade 1, the free-description test of physiognomic perception revealed that the children still retained high physiognomic abilities. We suggest that physiognomic competence is related to sensitivity to pressures to be "literal" in Grade 1. (Joseph Glicksohn)