BEAR'S NEW FRIEND

On a fine summer's day, who would not be headed off to the swimming hole with Bear and his friends? But one creature has not been lured out of his hole, and the friends take it upon themselves to find out who and why. Mouse and Hare, Crow and Wren and Badger gather to hear a tentative, "Who?" It's hard to have a finer narrator than John McDonough, especially when the main story's character is a bear. His gruff, friendly voice and deliberate pacing enliven Wilson's summer tale, enticing listeners to be attentive. McDonough delights in Wilson's playful rhymes by emphasizing them in a fun way. A.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]