At bedtime, a mother and her small child engage in storytelling and imaginary play, providing a frame for this story-within-a-story about a little clam who must protect himself from the threat of predators. Reiser playfully combines the drama of the natural world with a strong narrative pattern to create conflict and build suspense. Young children will identify with the plight of the little clam who must figure out when to take care of himself and when to ask for help in order to survive. The book concludes with the steps for a Little Clam bedtime game that uses a pillow and bedcovers as props. Highly Commended, 1999 Charlotte Zolotow Award. (Ages 3-6)