THE GREAT AAA-OOO!

Who or what is making that frightful noise in the night and keeping the animals awake?

Mouse hears the “AAA-OOO!” first, followed by Owl, Bear, Moose, Duck, Goose, and Dove. Each embellishes the description of the monster and what will befall them. “We’ll be plucked, stuffed, and roasted, and put in a pie!” Desperate, they climb higher and higher into the tree where they have sought refuge until a loud, resounding “crack!” sends them all tumbling to the ground. It is at this point that the source of the awful sound is uncovered; Wolf Cub, who does not like to be alone in the “dark, lonely woods.” Bear comforts him and the animals can go back to sleep until that famous morning alarm clock, the rooster, rouses them on the endpapers. Lambert peppers his familiar-feeling cumulative tale with many sounds from the animals and the tree when it’s under stress. Young listeners will certainly enjoy joining an increasingly loud chorus. The digital illustrations depict glossy, colorful animals against a solid black background. Their faces are expressive, and their movements are energetic. Adults sharing this title with children may find it more suitable as a read-aloud during daytime than as a bedtime story.

Shout along with the animals in the forest in an entertaining who-said-it tale.