BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Bear wants us not to move because he is out in nature trying to spot animals. One day he hopes to find a rare red-breasted goose. But today he has no luck. As Bear is telling us how to spot animals, and that sadly there is nothing to see, readers might be able to spy things themselves.
Portman uses humor and irony to delight readers. I was entertained by Portman's charming illustrations.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
When Bear invents a quick way to get from his home to his beehives, he doesn’t realize that all of the other forest creatures would want to ride it again and again and again. Bear needs to come up with a plan to make his creation less appealing.
I love Bear’s cluelessness when it comes to the popularity of his invention. Especially as he adds more to it to discourage riders, which just encourages more animals to ride. Beware - young ones will want to ride a roller coaster afterwards!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Bear is on top of the world! He is so proud to be soaring in a hot-air balloon all by himself. He calls down hello to his friends Fox and Hare as he flies by. He sees his sisters climbing a tall tree. They want him to climb with them. He sees Goat and other friends all wanting him to do things with them. He says no to all because Bear has a secret. How will he get down?
Bear in the Air is a fun story about feeling independent and knowing when to ask for help. MIn's illustrations are colorful and delightful.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
After a long winter sleep, Bear wakes up with only one thing on his mind: honey! Alas, it is too soon for honey, so Bear must wait. It’s hard to be patient, but fortunately, the world around him is also waking up, reminding him of other things he loves—like warm grass, berries, rain to dance in, and a creek to swim in. Then, one day, he hears a welcome buzzing sound. Is it finally time for honey?
Stein celebrates the joy of savoring something you love, and encourages learning to be patient. Stein's illustrations are adorable.
PGPowers
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Bear/bare Hair/hare - Mack uses basically four words and cute illustrations to give us a full story of two friends. A fun way to teach homophones and the interplay between word and illustration in a picture book.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Bear is having a bad day. His friends try to cheer him up, but he wants to be alone - mostly because he is afraid his bad day will ruin their day too. Squirrel knows that something isn’t right, and he takes the time to show Bear that he is there to support him, and that not everything about a rain cloud is bad.
Stickley handles interacting with a friend who is sad or depressed in a deft way that will teach many people, including adults, that there are better ways to help and support.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Bear cub loves his wilderness home. He loves the hills, waterfalls, pines, breeze, seeds, stumps, streams, fish, berries and honey. He is looking for his independence, but mother is keeping a close eye on him. At night, who does bear cub look for?
Bear Loves His Home is wonderful for kids who want to know more about real-life habits of black bear cubs. I liked the way it reads as a simple, lush, poetic story with mother bear hiding on every page. There are also back pages with bountiful facts about the American black bears life cycle and how everyone can help these animals.
PGPowers
