Bear Hugs

This is an attractive and perky book with appeal limited to fans of the Hagues and teddy bear lovers old and young. Although the verse found in each of nine poems is sometimes uninspired and often saccharine, some readers may warm to this low-key evocation of the everyday lives of young children. And the mix of cute, sleepy toddlers paired with bears of all sizes, shapes and degrees of cuddliness has definite commercial merit. All ages. (Apr.)