Ticklemonster and Me

In this inviting and truly interactive book, Tough Teddy is ambushed by the feared Ticklemonster, but defeats him with a big bear hug. An opening ""note to parents"" explains the format: the right-hand side of each spread pits Teddy against Ticklemonster, while the left shows a parent and child role-playing the story's action. This set-up may well inspire children to jump in, as Teddy triumphs over the threatening monster (played by the parent). In Haynes's (In the Driver's Seat) heavily outlined, friendly artwork the monster looks like a pom-pom with arms, and the cartoon people clearly indicate the visual cues for those eager to act out the story. An appendix provides further playacting games. One quibble: type that is out of register on a couple of spreads makes the text difficult to read. Nonetheless, this story will tickle the fancy--as well as the feet. Ages 2-7. (Mar.)