Webster and Arnold Go Camping

In the third Webster and Arnold book, the two mouse brothers are intent on camping in the backyard. Arnold, the eldest, is sure that Webster will be scared. ``I guess you're not ready for a scary story,'' says Arnold. Webster surprises his brother by telling his own storya story about a ghost dog and a chicken. ``Chickens aren't scary,'' says Arnold. ``This chicken was tall as a tree . . . it had fiery eyes . . . and big, sharp, green toenails!'' ``Oh,'' says Arnold. ``That kind of chicken.'' Mother comes out to check on them and tells them another story. This tender tale is really four stories in one that reaches its conclusion with both boys falling asleep in the morning light. Roche demonstrates her well-known storytelling gifts with warmth and empathy. The illustrations, done in soft, nocturnal pencil colors, are in perfect harmony with the text; this is a humorous adventure, faultlessly paced. Ages 3-8. (September)