The Bear with Sticky Paws and the New Baby

Pearl has a new baby brother, and she is not pleased when he uses her highchair: ‘I’m still very small,’ she says. In fact, she decides to play at being a baby, and her game is enhanced by the arrival at the door of a white, fluffy bear who wants to play baby bears. Together they do all sorts of baby things. The bear uses his paws to eat, but Pearl uses a spoon; the bear must be helped to dress, but Pearl can dress herself; the bear must be pushed on the swing, but Pearl can swing herself. Pearl begins to feel that being a big girl is quite a good thing, and at the end of a thoroughly happy but exhausting day, she says goodbye to the bear with sticky paws and draws a nice picture for her little brother. This is a different take on the usual child-with-new-sibling-jealousy story. Pearl works out for herself (with the bear’s help) that being an older sister has its advantages, and the rollicking adventures she shares with the bear give us reason to believe that Pearl and her little brother will soon be able to share good times too. The illustrations are outstanding. Lots of white space on the pages gives plenty of room for the antics, and the details, from wallpaper to scribbles to a lovely marmalade cat who shares in the fun, are brilliant. A happy book to share with all the family.