Eddie and Teddy

What may appear at first glance to be a routine tale of a child's devotion to a stuffed animal is anything but. In his first book for children, Clarke pairs an understated text and colorful cartoon-like pictures to tell the refreshingly funny story of the fast friendship between a feisty teddy bear and his boy. For years Teddy has done everything and gone everywhere with Eddie, so the bear is miserable when he is left at home on his friend's first day of school. Readers might now think that Teddy will have to make the best of a sad situation, since bears can't go to school, but Clarke has no such conventional ending in mind. Eddie's mom calls the teacher, and the next day Eddie leaves for school--with Teddy in tow. The last, comical picture shows the two pals years later, dressed in identical pin-striped suits and carrying identical briefcases. Clarke's antic art, diverting plot twists and winning characterizations will have children rooting for this decidedly droll duo. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)