The Happy Hedgehog Band

A band of animals--egged on by a particularly gleeful hedgehog named Harry--make a joyful noise in the forest in this exuberant escapade. Barton's winsome, softly shaded watercolors chronicle the ensemble's journey from modest beginnings (one hedgehog, one drum) to a triumphantly cacophonous conclusion, where critters of every persuasion join in the al fresco jam session. Waddell's ( Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? ) streamlined text is a preschooler's delight (``All the woods were humming and tumming and drumming'') and a captivating read-aloud. Young audiences will join eagerly in the fun and buzz, clap, hoot, click and drum along with Harry and his pals. Ages 3-up. (May)