HOW TO SCARE A MOUSE AND BEAR

A dynamic animal duo butt heads about whether Bear has the wiles to scare Mouse.

This rhyming story begins with Bear—the outsize polar kind—announcing a campaign to spook Mouse: “It’s Halloween tonight—woo-hoo! / I’m going to scare you / through and through!” Mouse, a sweater-clad gray rodent, responds dismissively to each of the costumed Bear’s several tries. “Now, what is this you’ve turned into? / A werewolf? / Oh. I missed the clue. / The smell of wet dog follows you— / may I suggest / some pet shampoo?” But Mouse cops to being impressed by Bear’s eeriest attempt: “Now, this is something weird and new! / A creepy monster. / Right on cue!” But wait: How can this (gulp) fanged reptilian beast be Bear in disguise if Bear is standing right behind Mouse? The story plays like an Abbott and Costello routine, but as in the other books in this pleasing series, the central twosome’s mutual affection leaves a stronger impression than their squabbling does. Collins’ book’s worth of “oo” rhymes are unpredictable without ever compromising on syntax or rhythm. The action unfolds against a range of solid-color interior walls, which make for tidy layouts in which the hijinks play out.

One doubts that there will come a time / when Collins can’t think up a rhyme.