THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE

The characters from previous Schubert picture books (Beaver’s Lodge, not reviewed, etc.) return for a new version of an old story. Beaver builds himself a little boat and invites his friends for a ride. When they point out that the boat is barely big enough for him, he builds a raft, and one by one, his friends join him on it. Even when Bear climbs aboard, they manage to stay afloat, but when Butterfly lights on Bear, the raft sinks and they end up in the river. It’s all in a day’s play and Beaver happily goes back to his little boat. The pleasant watercolors portray the animals appealingly and provide much to keep the eyes engaged: creatures peeking out from the foliage, a spider clinging to a tendril, and evidence of Beaver’s lumberjack activities will maintain interest for multiple readings. (Picture book. 3-5)