BEARSIE BEAR AND THE SURPRISE SLEEPOVER PARTY

A humorous cumulative tale that makes a great read-aloud for the very young. A wintry scene shows an isolated house so deep in snow that the road can't be seen. A moose plods its way to the door and knocks; a bear sleeping cozily near his blazing fireplace opens one eye and asks who it is. `` `It's me, Moosie Moose,' said Moosie Moose. `Moosie Moose?' said Bearsie Bear. `Yes, Moosie Moose,' said Moosie Moose.'' The repetition of the already repetitive names continues as more animals join the bear and moose in a wide bed; mild joking transpires as unlikely bedfellows are added: cow, pig, fox, goose. The generosity of the host is strained when a porcupine joins in, and everyone leaves. But the sad faces at the snowy window melt Bearsie Bear's notably large heart, and all find peaceful sleep away from the elements. Waber's familiar watercolors find humor in every scene while warmth and security are the backbone of the story. The reading of the accumulated names every time the animals settle down results in a book that may be too raucous for bedtime, but ideal for story hours. (Picture book. 3-6)