  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/01/2016 McPhail’s newest offers young readers a memorable lesson about an important concept. On their way home, a mother bear and her cub engage in a lively conversation about promises. After learning the importance of keeping them, the cub drills his mother with a series of questions about what else she promises, and Baby Bear pledges to “be a good bear . . . most of the time.” Mother Bear assures her cub many things, and though she neither promises to know everything nor guarantee his happiness, one oath she is certain to keep is to love her cub “always and forever!” McPhail’s signature combination of muted pastel tones and pen-and-ink details create the proper mood for this endearing read. Thought-provoking text laces page after page of comforting and eye-catching bucolic scenes. McPhail’s apt use of light and shadow captures tranquil changes from daylight to nighttime as mother and baby journey home. Great as a conversation starter, a parent-child bonding moment, or a cuddly bedtime read. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 01/01/2017 PreS—A charming book that centers on a complex subject. Baby Bear asks his mother, "What's a promise?" and Mother Bear answers in a simple way so her young cub can understand. She explains what it means to make a promise and what it means when one is broken. When Baby Bear asks her if she promises that he will always be happy, Mother Bear lets him know that that is not possible. She does say that she will do what she can to help but his happiness ultimately depends upon him. His mother does promise to feed him, play with him, and keep him safe. She also promises to love him forever…no matter what. The conversation between Mother Bear and Baby Bear is worded in a childlike way. The illustrations, done in pen-and-ink and watercolor, are soft and appealing. As readers follow the two characters throughout the events during the day, it's interesting to be reminded that they are still animals as they exhibit typical bear behavior. They are depicted playing in the river, climbing a tree, and getting honey from a beehive. VERDICT This book does a good job getting its reassuring message across in a manner that young ones can understand. A perfect choice for one-on-one sharing.—Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
 |