  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2014 PreS-Gr 2—Due to household chores, Bee politely declines Bear's invitations to roll down a hill, climb trees, and splash in the pond. When a discouraged Bear finally sleeps, Bee begs him to get up and gaze at the moon. A compromise is forged as the friends watch the moon from the pond. Early readers will appreciate the quick resolution. Flat illustrations with spare backgrounds focus on personalities. Bear wears only red sandals, and Bee sports mislaced sneakers. Bee's arms efficiently sauté, spoon, and season a meal. This easy-reading glimpse of making friendship work is sure to have a wide audience.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/01/2014 A fuzzy bear and a buzzy bee cemented their friendship in Bear and Bee (2013)—and now they have got to make their relationship a priority. On the opening spread, Bear gleefully rolls down a lush green hill (“Wheeeeee!”) and then invites Bee to join him: “Come and roll down the hill with me. You will love it!” But Bee is too busy watering flowers for such frivolity. Then Bear swings from a tree and splashes in a pond, but Bee is always too busy to play. (Bear’s facial expressions upon being rejected are priceless.) Eventually, Bear goes to sleep, the moon comes out, and now Bee wants to moon gaze with Bear. But Bear is content snoozing. The trick is to come up with an activity that they both enjoy, and while reclining in the pond and admiring the moon, the two friends find shared happiness. The text includes fun words like whoopee and hooray—and repeats sweet phrases—which, along with Ruzzier’s bold graphic art, makes this picture book a delightful choice for friendship-themed storytimes. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. Loading...
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