An old bear is surprised by the lumbering manifestation of a delightful little guardian angel trainee who is sent to earth to whisper a special word to children and watch over them until the coming full moon. The old bear suggests to the angel that he should enliven his assignment by telling stories. The angel agrees, and he asks the bear to tell him a story. The bear consents only if the angel also agrees to tell a story. Thus begins the collection of twenty-eight bedtime stories of friendship, courage, and secrets told alter nately by the bear and the angel. dgw

Originally pub lished as 28 GuteNacht Geschichten in German by Minedition Bargteheide Germany, in 2006. Translated by Kathryn Bishop.