May We Sleep Here Tonight
Carefully applied colored pencil suggests the fog that causes three gophers to lose their way in the woods, and--like Goldilocks--enter an empty but comfortable house. More timid than their fairy-tale counterpart, the gophers are hesitant, but they are so tired, they finally tuck themselves into the large bed. Their sleep is not sound, however, because they are soon joined by two bunnies and three raccoons also seeking shelter. The various saws hanging on the wall make the animals a bit apprehensive: Have they stumbled upon the house of a witch? And hearts beat faster when a huge figure enters and looms over the quaking critters. Fortunately, though, Mr. Bear is a welcoming host, who serves his guests hot stew, then climbs into bed with them to sleep until the fog-free morning. The pictures hint at the identity of the home owner; the Japanese printing on pot labels and book titles reveals the story's origin. The cozy interiors, appealingly drawn animals, and familiar themes transcend cultural borders.Ellen Mandel