  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 PreS-Gr 1—Two young bear friends go on many adventures. The cubs can be seen staring upward and observing shapes in the sky. They help an older bear after he drops his groceries. They sneak a few cookies in a hiding spot. The bears also tell stories, build things, and take part in a variety of other daily activities. Throughout, the friends express and share a range of feelings, such as happiness, sorrow, tension, and joy. The book's whimsical pastel artwork provides a dreamlike feel, and the use of curved lines adds a sense of movement and dimension. The characters' expressions pair well with the words chosen to illustrate each scene. This work highlights the beauty and complex nature of friendship. The soothing narrative shows friendship as constant despite changing circumstance. VERDICT This winning read-aloud can be used to encourage friendship in young children.—Deanna Smith, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/15/2017 Award winners Barnett and Liwska team up to depict two bears traveling to wonderful places. When one falls off his skateboard, he is “blue,” and when the skateboard breaks in half, he is “purple” with sobbing. The companions jump off the slide into a pool, play in the mud, laze in a rowboat, and sneak cookies. There is also humor: intent on his cell phone, the brown bear isn’t careful and steps into a manhole. Next page: a place to be “bored” (in traction in a hospital bed, with a broken leg). Barnett offers some unusual vocabulary (awestruck, beastly, sullen, jubilant) showing the furry animals displaying a wide range of emotions. The artwork is created in brush and ink and “digital hocus-pocus.” Details in soft pastels with blurred borders and ample white space illuminate activities celebrating some open-ended possibilities in a young child’s life. And, a happy ending: the pals build a new skateboard and wheel off together. It’s a sweet and gentle contrast to Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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