Sailor Bear

Sporting a sailor suit and straw boater, Small Bear wanders through the cobblestone streets of a seaside village. Looking down at his suit, the lost and lonely fellow decides to set sail on a ``small sea'' in a homemade boat. When a storm destroys his vessel, the beached bruin, pathetically curled up by a rock, ``went sadly to sleep all alone.'' Young listeners need not worry: seasoned storyteller Waddell gives his endearing tale a happy ending. A girl and her dog happen upon the soggy sailor, and bring him home to dry by the fire, where the lovable, newly converted landlubber opts to stay forever. A pale palette and soft lines distinguish Austin's full-page paintings, which are as polished and gentle as Waddell's prose. A classic, comforting bedtime story. Ages 2-up. ( Apr. )