Little Beaver and the Echo

``I'm lonely,'' Little Beaver cries, ``I need a friend.'' When a voice answers from across the pond, ``I'm lonely. I need a friend,'' Little Beaver sets off to find this kindred spirit. Along the way, he's joined by a duck, an otter and a turtle, who each claim, ``I do need a friend, but it wasn't me who was crying.'' At the end of their journey the creatures meet a wise old beaver, who explains the mystery voice to them: ``No matter where you are, the Echo is always across the pond from you. . . . When you are sad, the Echo is sad. When you are happy, the Echo is happy too.'' Little Beaver calls out in glee over his newfound friends, and his joy echoes across the water. This sweet, gentle tale is beautifully complemented by Fox-Davies's softly glowing landscapes and winsome furry characters--reminiscent of Garth Williams's. Little Beaver and the Echo is perfect for little ones at quiet-time or bedtime. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)