School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3 Porcupine invites Owl and Otter to a pajama party. The three friends make cookies, then settle down with popcorn to watch the ``Monster Bat'' movie. When it gets too scary, Porcupine and Otter retreat to the bathroom (to read), leaving Owl alone. He becomes frightened and joins them in the bathroom. In bed they imagine that monsters are after them, but their fears are dispelled. A blanket, fireflies, and a mouse eating crumbs are not very frightening once you know what they are. Cushman's gently washed illustrations are just right for the comfortable easy-reading text. Let's hope that there are many more stories about these three appealing friends. Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, Iowa (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
The prospect of a sleepover can be both exciting and scary for the younger elementary school child. This exuberant I Can Read captures both reactions in four low-key and satisfyingly funny stories. Porcupine invites his two best friends to spend the night. Owl wants to try out a new cookie recipe, but the three buddies eat the batter up before they get into the oven. Otter wants to watch ``Monster Bat'' on TV, and they all end up scared silly. In the last story, they squabble over places in the double bed and each confronts his own personal ``monster.'' Cushman's humorous line drawings, washed in color, are well matched to the text. Newcomers to the I Can Read line as well as fans of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad will warm to these three amigos. Ages 4-8. (September) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
