Synopsis
Percy the park keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food, and he must think of a way to help them find a warm place to sleep for the night. Percy’s hut is nice and warm, but he discovers that if you invite one animal in you’ll have to invite them all in. With Percy's small hut—they are certainly going to be squashed!
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-- One cold, snowy night, a kindhearted park attendant finds his hospitality stretched to the limit as one pathetic, shivering forest animal after another asks to share his bed. The result--too many animals, not enough room. Just as Percy tries to sort out the tangled bedclothes, the animals panic upon hearing unearthly scratching from below the floor. Not to worry--it's only a mole, also seeking warmth, but during that intervening time each animal has discovered a cozy niche in Percy's messy quarters ideally suited to its needs. The illustrations are lighthearted and the penultimate scene of the cluttered room is a wealth of eye-catching details. Percy's bulletin board, with notes from Santa and an invitation from H. R. H. reveal Butterworth's whimsical sense of humor. While not breaking any new ground, this is an ingratiating if not exceptional wintertime selection. --Phyllis G. Sidorsky, National Cathedral School, Washington, DC