Author: Daniel Pinkwater
Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
“Bear in Love” could have been a cute title to release around Valentine’s Day. Our friendly bear finds that he might have a secret friend that is leaving him surprises. The story is very sweet and funny as well, thanks to the notable authro Daniel Pinkwater. Will Hillenbrand’s subtle yet effective illustrations really deliver. I will be highly recommend this book to all the family’s I know, since it is a must have!
Premise: “One morning, the bear finds something just outside his cave. It is orange and long and pointy and has bushy green leaves at one end. And it’s sweet and crunchy! Where did it come from? Did someone leave it for him? Then there are two more of the sweet crunchy things the next morning! The bear knows that someone nice is leaving him these treats. If only he could discover who it is! Should he leave something tasty in return?”
I hope that this is the first in a series of books with Bear, hint hint Daniel! I feel that he is a alternative to Disney’s Pooh and just as cute. I will be keeping an eye out for more of Hillenbrand’s illustrations since I was a big fan. I could see some of the drawnings blown up and frame even! Candlewick delivers yet another fantastic children’s book and thanks to them to reference “Jaws”, my daughter is going to need a bigger book shelf.