Ellen's Lion: Twelve Stories by Crockett Johnson

Originally published in 1959 and out of print for two decades, this collection of very short stories chronicles Ellens relationship complete with two-way conversationswith her floppy stuffed lion. Ellens temperament is a bit like Christopher Robins (though her appearance is a clone of Harold, from Harold and the Purple Crayon fame), but her lion is a no-nonsense, tougher-minded Pooh, with the voice of reason and reality to counter Ellens high-flying imagination. The stories range from fear of the dark and being sad to playing doctor, being a fairy princess, and dealing with a new toy that almost replaces lion.
Parents will find the subtly droll stories as entertaining as children, and a child who reads chapter books will find especially rewarding.