Principal Fred Won't Go to Bed

K-Gr 1—Tired Fred won't go to bed without his teddy bear, and that's a problem for his whole family. His wife and son join him in searching for the missing companion, but it is not until the man slips on a dirty sock the dog is chewing that Bear appears. The canine is rewarded with a big steak, Principal Fred goes to bed, and peace returns to the house. The principal acts like a two-year-old and has a tantrum because he can't find his teddy, but the setup is not really believable. The mixed-media illustrations are large and cartoonish, and might be appealing because of the simple lines and liberal use of white space. However, they do not stand out as particularly creative or engaging. This book might introduce discussion of bedtime issues, but the image of a principal as a silly, childish individual may be counterproductive.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME