(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bruce Ingman. When mice eat a chunk of Swiss cheese, the two leftover holes become homeless. They try to take up residence in the king's sock, the queen's undies, and so on, but must flee before they're sewn up, etc. Finally, they prove their usefulness in a pair of royal flutes. It's a fresh premise, but the art occasionally looks incomplete.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Chris Chatterton. A group of animal friends jumps too hard on a bed, causing it to break. After initially blaming one another, the friends cooperate to fix the bed so their fun can continue. The story has some unexpected twists (a sleeping bear under the covers) and a mostly successful rhyme scheme. The jovial illustrations are big and bright, with thick, black text emphasizing the action.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 Also written by Kate Saunders. With decorations by Mark Burgess in the style of E. H. Shepard. The authors pay homage to Milne and his characters for the ninetieth anniversary of the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh. Four seasonal stories ably re-create the feeling of the original books, and Burgess does an admirable job of picturing Christopher Robin, Pooh, and the rest. Fans who want more Pooh adventures will be pleased (though purists may not).

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Chapman. The horrible Snorklum monster is on his way home, late, as evening falls. He can't resist stopping to catch every animal he meets, to eat later for dinner. Energetic illustrations grow darker as time passes--but the animals grow bolder since they've heard that after sunset the Snorklum shrivels. With a satisfying "Pooffft!" the story ends and the animals escape.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Buckingham. When Big Lion boasts that he's the best, Sister Lion wants to know, best at what? He becomes infuriated when the other animals show him he's not the fastest, most agile, or strongest, and they quietly laugh at him. When he roars a thundering roar, all the animals stop laughing. The cheerful illustrations make this an appealing story of appreciating one's talents.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) PS Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. It's time for Baby Leo to have his nap, so all jungle noises must stop. Papa Lion gives one enormous roar, quieting the jungle cacophony. But one by one, the animals start "cawing," "chuckling," and "howling," only to be shushed by Papa Lion. Regardless, Baby Leo sleeps soundly until he is awakened in a most surprising way. This is a slight but rowdy tale featuring colorful, action-packed art that's likely to amuse listeners.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen