Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party

The creator of the affable Lyle, Lyle Crocodile is as playful as ever in this cumulative caper that uses repetition and alliteration to rollicking effect. On a cold evening as ""the wind hissed and howled,"" a chilly Moosie Moose knocks at Bearsie Bear's door to ask if he may sleep over. Five other animals in turn make the same request, each time the most recent arrival answers the door for the newcomer, who then leaps joyously into Bearsie's increasingly crowded bed. Waber's effervescent watercolors depict the wide-eyed gang, with only heads and paws (or claws or hooves) showing from under the bedspread, until Porkie Porcupine shows up and the six sleepy creatures wisely chime ""Uh-oh."" Waber's precisely timed splashes of slapstick (twice the remark, ""You can say that again"" brings on a repetition of what was just said) adds to the comedy of the tale. A great pick for both beginning readers and for reading aloud in a variety of voices, this comical nocturnal tale is especially suitable for a bedtime giggle or two. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)