THE FIVE-DOG NIGHT

A story with a premise that's bound to amuse: Old Betty, Ezra's neighbor, is forever pestering him, when she calls to bring cookies and make him tea, about his need for extra blankets. ``Not me,'' he insists, refusing to elaborate beyond remarking, next day that ``It was only a two-dog night.'' As fall moves into winter, the number rises until the curious Betty peers in Ezra's window—and sees what Christelow's cheery, cartoon- style illustrations have revealed all along: as it gets colder, Ezra just pulls on another of his five dogs. The well-crafted curmudgeonly repartee, particularly good fun for reading aloud, leads naturally to a satisfying turnabout conclusion, with the much-insulted Betty getting her own dogs to sleep under; and Ezra, who misses her once she gives up on him, visiting her with homemade cookies and advice. A good-natured, entertaining yarn. (Picture book. 4-9)