Porcupine's Pajama Party

The prospect of a sleepover can be both exciting and scary for the younger elementary school child. This exuberant I Can Read captures both reactions in four low-key and satisfyingly funny stories. Porcupine invites his two best friends to spend the night. Owl wants to try out a new cookie recipe, but the three buddies eat the batter up before they get into the oven. Otter wants to watch ``Monster Bat'' on TV, and they all end up scared silly. In the last story, they squabble over places in the double bed and each confronts his own personal ``monster.'' Cushman's humorous line drawings, washed in color, are well matched to the text. Newcomers to the I Can Read line as well as fans of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad will warm to these three amigos. Ages 4-8. (September)