Bear Feels Scared

July 21, 2008
Beloved Bear gets another emotional workout, this time a frightening episode in the dark and stormy woods. While Bear is on the trail of a snack, things quickly turn windy, wet and, as Bear gets lost, downright spooky. He cries and trembles, curling up amid the gnarled roots of a huge tree until his ever-faithful band of woodland friends—who have carefully formed a proper search party—come to his aid. Via rhyming text and the repeated refrain “And the bear feels scared,” Wilson and Chapman (Bear Snores On
; Bear Feels Sick
) once again tap into the psychology of preschoolers, exploringa common childhood emotion. Chapman’s acrylics capture the motion of the blowing winds, while Bear’s ultra-expressive eyes and lumbering hulk demonstrate his vulnerability; readers will immediately connect to his experience. Meanwhile, in the cozy fire-lit lair, preparations for Bear’s rescue—replete with lantern and string to tie the searchers to one another—evoke warm feelings about teamwork and support. Ages 3–7.