Alice B. McGinty

Small Bear's mother promises stories before their winter slumber if Small Bear will help prepare with no dilly dallying, but the playful cub finds it hard to stick to her tasks.

Dad has posted a list of chores for the family to do before grandma comes, including bathing the cat; but the cat does not want a bath, so she mixes up the instructions, and soon the family is mowing the floor, vacuuming the lawn, mopping the baby -- and the house is in chaos.