LITTLE BEAR BRUSHES HIS TEETH

Little Bear Brushes His Teeth (PLB $14.90; paper $8.95; Mar. 1997; 32 pp.; PLB 0-7613-0190-9; paper 0-7613-0230-1): Little Bear is not happy about his first encounter with toothbrushes and paste: ``Blech! Ptooey! This is horrible!'' He fancies himself a soldier, who doesn't need to brush anyway. When the mother's entreaties don't work, the father is enlisted, but he succeeds only by roaring. A lightbulb clicks on in Mama Bear's head: Why not depict bacteria as an army battling Little Bear's teeth? ``Pass me my sword,'' commands Little Bear. Using a hook to overcome life's early trials makes this book a stronger effort than the companion volume, Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten (0-7613-0231-X), which relies on trickery. Sobat's warm artwork adds a comforting touch. (Picture book. 3-5)