King Teddy

Valerie, sleeping over at Grandmother's house for the first time, is convinced that she no longer needs her teddy bear. King Teddy, though, has other ideas. The brave bruin with the big imagination is ready to protect his friend from her elderly relative (isn't she a witch?), the washing machine (``a terrible dragon'') and the dread experience of bathtime (a pirate attack). But when darkness descends Valerie is glad to have her bear with her, his presence comfortingly solid in the night. This amusing picture book captures a child's need for both independence and reassurance. Children will enjoy King Teddy's vivid imagination and may recognize some of their own ungrounded fears in his fantasies. Obrist's illustrations have a crooked charm, reminiscent of Lane Smith. He suggests that odd things could happen at any moment-yet keeps the mood benign. Ages 5-8. (Dec.)