Ten in the Den

Children's Literature

In this charming story about friendship, which revises "Ten in the Bed," ten animals are sleeping in a cave together. The "littlest mouse" keeps asking for more room, but when all the animals roll over, the friend on the end falls out of the cave and into the field. One by one, they keep rolling out of the cave, until the "littlest mouse" is alone. He feels so lonely that he leaves the cave to join the rest of his friends. Butler illustrates the animals in pastel colors with rounded edges, which makes them look like stuffed animals. This style of illustrations conveys a sense of safety. Another way the pictures express security is through the animal's facial expressions. While falling out of the cave, the animals are smiling and laughing, which shows the reader that getting knocked out of the cave is not a threatening situation. Butler also uses the illustrations to connect with the text. Whenever the text says that an animal is falling out of the cave, the pictures are framed into sections to show the movement of the animal down the hill. The text also plays an important role in this story because through it the reader learns the importance of friendship. 2005 (orig. 1952), Peachtree Publishers, Ages 4 to 8.
—Charlee Crews

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-This entertaining incarnation of a well-known and often-used counting rhyme incorporates many concepts and opportunities for young listeners to become involved in the story. As 10 different toy animals cuddle together in a den on top of a gentle, rolling hill, a little mouse begins the familiar chant, "Roll over! Roll over!" One by one they do, accompanied by appropriate sounds: for Rabbit, "Floppetty, hoppetty, bump!" for Beaver, "Slippy, slidey, bump!" and so on. As the animals roll out and down, they gather under a tree. The little mouse, alone now in the den, misses his friends, so he rolls over and scampers out, too. Reunited, they snuggle together and fall fast asleep. The repetition and sound words invite participation. The watercolors portray an idyllic meadow filled with golden browns, greens, and blues, populated with adorable creatures whose round glassy eyes, pastel colors, and soft round paws make them well suited for a child's bed. Pair this cozy choice for storytimes or bedtimes with other versions, such as David Ellwand's Ten in the Bed (Handprint, 2000).-Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

This adorable offering remakes the traditional counting song, but with a new twist on the ending. Butler pictures ten woodland animals snuggled cozily in a den-until the little mouse squeaks, "Roll over! Roll over!" One by one, the friends roll over and find themselves tumbling right out of the den and gently down the hill: "Rabbit fell out. Floppetty, hoppetty, bump!" Mole, beaver, badger, porcupine, raccoon, fox, squirrel and bear all follow suit. But when the mouse finally finds himself with all the room in the den, he realizes that he misses his friends. So he scampers down the hill and joins them as they all snuggle together and fall asleep. Sweet, softly colored illustrations make this a perfect bedtime book, especially since the animals are reminiscent of beloved stuffed toys. A familiar song made into an enchanting tale of friendship. (Picture book. 2-6)