When putting Sam to bed, Mrs. Bear hears him cough. She tries to give him medicine but he doesn't like the taste and there is too much of it. With the promise of waiting together for the snow to come, the cub finally takes the cough syrup. Mother and child go downstairs, have some tea, and cuddle up in a soft, cozy chair, where Mrs. Bear tells a story about a bear named Sam. As they sleep, the snow begins to fall, and the last page shows them building a snowbear. Jeram's soft, saturated acrylic illustrations extend Hest's quiet, gentle text. The bears are the focal point on every spread, and their household has lots of warm, subtle touches and curving lines that give the book a comfortable look. Two mice appear throughout; they, too, are part of this loving environment. A feel-good story to curl up with on a cold winter night. Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.