This Bear's Birthday

April 15, 2017
Reaching an age of some independence and self-sufficiency is the highlight of this little bear's birthday milestone.Now that Bear is old enough, he can prepare for his party, with some minimal help from Mama and Papa, by getting dressed, picking apples, and making peanut-butter-and-honey sandwiches. But when a sudden gust of wind blows the autumn leaves everywhere right in the midst of his celebration, Bear tries to apply his can-do attitude to putting the leaves back on the trees before realizing the impossibility. Instead, Bear and friends rake all the leaves into a giant pile that's perfect for play and jumping. Watercolor-and-graphite illustrations depict Bear, all eager adorableness, so very pleased with his newly acquired abilities. "This bear did it...all by himself!" exclaims a smiling Bear. Capucilli's growing-up theme, familiar with preschoolers, shines through in this latest outing. Kids will easily identify with familiar scenes such as height measurement, the special way to lay out a coat on the floor for easy dressing, and the birthday cake finale. Bear's confident, lovable approach to life will serve little ones well. (Picture book. 3-5)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2017

PreS-Little Bear is celebrating his birthday. He's excited that he's getting bigger every day and can do things that he couldn't do before. Each spread shows what Little Bear can do by himself (such as get dressed by himself, mostly) and moments where he still needs his parents' help (picking apples while on his papa's shoulders). There are also some activities that even his parents can't do (for instance, put the leaves back on the trees). When Little Bear's friends arrive, there are songs to sing, a game of hide-and-seek, a puppet show, and a picnic lunch. This title is a celebration of growing independence. The watercolor artwork is soft and comforting like a warm hug. The cheerful, loving parents and the adorable Bear make reading this book a real pleasure. VERDICT Sweet as a piece of birthday cake, this is a terrific addition to the picture book section of any library.-Debbie Tanner, S. D. Spady Montessori Elementary, FL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.