This Bear, That Bear

A Bear Parade! What fun, as Dad takes young bear by the paw and they set off to watch the parade. The paint washed backgrounds and charcoaled trees are a perfect foil for the multitudinous collaged bears wearing knitted, squiggled, or striped jumpers. Every bear has a characterful face drawn very simply with four lines that children will surely want to recreate for themselves.  “Tall bear, small bear, loves-to-kick-a-ball bear; cheeky bear, sneaky bear, fabulously geeky bear.” The rhyming text rockets through the book, every spread being packed with bears of all descriptions and demeanours. There’s a fancy dress competition, and lots of expectation as Dad and his bear son march towards the GRANDE FINALE! Fireworks delight all assembled bears, as we spot one or two yawns, the night sky signalling the parade is finally over. Families trundle homeward, “Light bear, night bear, tucked-up-tight bear.”  Fast asleep!  A great read to enjoy with a sleepy youngster at bedtime.