Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party by Bernard Waber

'About this title' may belong to another edition of this title. 3-6) - Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. 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. Waber's familiar watercolors find humor in every scene while warmth and security are the backbone of the story. But the sad faces at the snowy window melt Bearsie Bear's notably large heart, and all find peaceful sleep away from the elements. The generosity of the host is strained when a porcupine joins in, and everyone leaves. Books shelved as phonics-iii-word-play: Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party by Bernard Waber, A is for Salad by Mike Lester, Dr. `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. `` `It's me, Moosie Moose,' said Moosie Moose. 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.

A wintry scene shows an isolated house so deep in snow that the road can't be seen. (Oct.A humorous cumulative tale that makes a great read-aloud for the very young. Uncovering an array of triumphs and fears, this is a natural read-aloud likely to spark valuable adult-child dialogue and to help youngsters conquer their own fears. Waber's wit infuses many of the pages, including one from a dog's viewpoint: a 'Beware of Dog' sign adorns the front lawn of a house while, inside, a pooch quakes listening to eerie sounds-'Courage is it's your job to check out the night noises in the house.' On the affecting, timely penultimate spread, scenes of firefighters and a police officer on the job ('Courage is being a firefighter, or a police officer') appear opposite the image of a mother and two children watching a plane take off ('Courage is sometimes having to say goodbye').

The author's observations range from lighthearted ('Courage is deliberately stepping on sidewalk cracks') to those worthy of reflection ('Courage is being the first to make up after an argument'). Minimal yet artfully crafted text and sprightly art reveal some gutsy acts that all youngsters will identify with: taking that first bike ride without training wheels, explaining the rip in a brand-new pair of pants. 'Awesome kinds' appears on a spread of trapeze artists 'everyday kinds' depicts a boy who summons the confidence to jump off a high dive. 'There are many kinds of courage,' the narrative begins.

In this poignant yet entertaining volume, versatile author and artist Waber ( The Mouse That Snored) takes a look at the various ways in which kids, the occasional grown-up and one endearing canine display bravery.