On a Mist-Covered Mountain

In a short poetic text, the author of Hooray for Snail! relates a trance-like experience of being a bear on a misty mountain, learning tight-rope walking from two parental-looking bears. Other children on the highwire juggle, play music and dance. When the young bear tumbles, the older bears are there to help. Eventually, the small bear learns the rope and walks alone to join the children on the other side. This may make sense as a dream, but as a picture book for wide-eyed readers it may be a bit contrived. There is a playfulness in the artblack lines and subdued watercolorsthat makes this look like a game. But like many dreams, it lacks any real impact beyond a temporary distraction. Ages 4-7. (April)