This book is sure not only to appeal to the younger set, but also to their parents, who, in little bear and his constant questioning, clearly can see their own youngsters reflected. The book winds through a day of a little bears delightful adventures alongside big bear, and on each page little bear posing a new question to big bear. My favorite would have to be these on the page where they are watching a thunderstorm:
“Why does the sky go all rumbly with thunder?”
“To give us a shiver and fill us with wonder”
“But why must the world fill with roaring and crashing?”
“It’s the song of the storm,and the lightning flashing”
The poetry is wonderful without being too much, the illustrations are soft, beautiful and emote the right tone for little bears questing regarding the world around him. It’s definitely a tug-at-your-heartstrings read.
Reading level: ages 4-8
Page Count: 32 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (April 28, 2009
What to expect: Questions on every page from a curious little bear, who’s resemblance to our own little cubs is quite striking.
Publisher’s synopsis: A little bear and a big bear spend the day picnicking and playing until it is time to go home and sleep and dream. Along the way, little bear asks big bear questions about nature and life, and big bear’s answers show all the wisdom and patience that every parent wishes for. Rhyming text and charming illustrations celebrate both curiosity and the wonder of the natural world.
About the Author: Tim was born in 1951 in North Africa, the son of a soldier. Until he was 9 he lived mostly in Africa, Germany and Hong Kong. He went to state boarding school in Suffolk and went on to do an English Literature degree at Cambridge University. He then trained to be an English teacher before making the switch to primary school teaching.
Our Rating: 5 out of 5