I Am Not Going to Get Up Today!

Part of the Beginner Books series, this light piece of whimsy is narrated by a boy in striped pajamas who, with closed eyes, proclaims that under no circumstances will he be getting out of bed and going anywhere. ""I don't choose to be up walking. I don't choose to be up talking. The only thing I'm choosing is to lie here woozy-snoozing.'' The Marines can't raise him, nor can a big brass band. In this everychild's fantasy, the boy takes charge of his own destiny on this particular morning. Stevenson shows the surrounding madcap lunacy, as well as the neat, sublime smile of the narrator recounting his plans. Easygoing and funny fare, not only for beginning readers. Ages 5-8. (October)