Not This Bear

May 11, 2015
It’s the first day of school, and small, butterscotch-colored Bear is not ready to join the group. Whenever his teacher introduces an activity that “all the bears” like to do, he responds, “Not this bear.” Instead, Bear eases into activities on his own terms, holding onto his jacket while painting and clutching a stuffed bunny during story time; he becomes more social on the playground after befriending another outsider. Capucilli and Hussey create a comforting atmosphere for Bear to acclimate to, and his approach to his first day may be an asset for readers who also need time to warm up to new experiences. Ages 2–6. Author’s agent: Liza Pulitzer Voges, Eden Street Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Eunice McMullen.

June 1, 2015
When given the space and time he needs to acclimate, a young bear learns to love all the new things about school. Bear is reluctant about his first day of school, especially since so many things are new and different from the way he usually does them. "Not this bear" is his refrain, as he's his own bear. Everyone else may have hung their jackets in the closet and donned smocks for painting, but "not this bear"; his jacket-cum-security blanket is soon forgotten in the fun of painting, however. Though "All the bears like to sit on a mat to listen to a story," Bear feels that a lap is the best place for a tale. He makes do, though, by choosing a mat and finding a stuffed bunny to sit in his lap. Similarly, he enjoys snack time (though Mama makes the best snacks), plays, and finds a friend on the playground. And when Mr. Brown asks, "Are you ready to go home, Bear?" readers will chime right in with his response and might even look forward to their own first days of school. Hussey's watercolor illustrations capture all Bear's feelings as he goes from anxiety to confidence and enjoyment, the tilt of his ears and his inward-pointing toes speaking volumes. A reassuring book to share with just about any set-in-his-ways child. (Picture book. 3-6)

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August 1, 2015

PreS-It's Bear's first day of school, and he is sure he'll be miserable away from Mama. While the other cubs enjoy painting, stories, and playing, he answers, "Not this bear" to every invitation to join in. Despite himself, Bear is increasingly intrigued. Fans of Capucilli's "Biscuit" series will find the same sweetness in this read-aloud offering. Hussey's watercolors portray the fuzzy little bears with endearing expressiveness and cozy charm. This is a book designed for a specific purpose, and it is not likely to have broad appeal outside its intended audience. However, it is beautifully designed and meets its goals very well. VERDICT The purposeful story is a just-right blend of repetition and gentle humor to comfort reluctant new preschoolers.-Rachel Anne Mencke, St. Matthew's Parish School, Pacific Palisades, CA

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