Hoot
PreSchool-Grade 2.  A story that offers one explanation for where missing socks go. All of the stuffed animals are asleep except Little Bear, who is frightened by a strange noise. He wakes the others, and they all try to find the source of the mysterious "hoot." It turns out to be an owl whose nest, made from the missing socks, has fallen to the bedroom floor. The other animals offer to replace it with an equally warm, snugly cap and help him get it to the top of the wardrobe. After an owl's lunch (midnight snack to the others), all return to their beds. By morning, Hoot has reunited the socks with their mates and sleeps comfortably in his new nest. The essence of this story is texture. Everything in it is soft, warm, and cuddly, including the animals, the bed, the nest, even the socks. The animals are made of fleece and velveteen, and the illustrator's fine crayon drawings emphasize these textures, right down to the knitting on the stocking cap and the ends of yarn on its pompom. While the story takes place at night, the tones are surprisingly light; shadows are not dark, but pale, and are not likely to frighten anyone. A reassuring romp, a lullaby for the insomniac who wonders what happens to toys?and socks?while their owners sleep.?Ruth K. MacDonald, Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.