Glad, Glad Bear!

November 11, 2019
Gee’s Mad, Mad Bear turns glad when it’s time for dance class in this simple but emotion-filled follow-up. Clad in new leggings, new ballet slippers, and a pink tutu that generates a crinkly-eyed, page-filling grin, Bear happily prepares for dance class. His elation is palpable as he gracefully leaps out the door, but jitters set in at the studio. In gentle scenes, Gee sensitively captures Bear feeling first “a little shy” in his tutu and leggings—a mix of the other kids’ outfits. Luckily, music brings a turning point, eliciting “twirly” feelings that Bear expresses through dance, making him “glad” once more. Rendered in black Prismacolor and digital candy colors, Gee’s thoughtful illustrations sympathetically depict Bear’s shifting emotions in a way that’s realistic and relatable. Ages up to 8.

Starred review from November 1, 2019
Gee's Mad, Mad Bear (2018) returns, continuing to adjust to and embrace his feelings as he explores music and dance. It's a new day, and little brown Bear is very glad because he has new leggings, dance slippers, and a tutu. Eager to wear it all, he and his parent bear head out for ballet class. But on arrival, Bear sees everyone else in class and begins to feel unsure about himself; at first he's "a little shy," then "a little afraid," and even feeling "a little different." The music he hears helps to change his attitude, and, emboldened, he begins "to feel light. / And bubbly. / And twirly," until he is dancing freely with everyone. Expressive, black-outlined drawings colored in muted tones make an endearing, uncomplicated, clear-cut accompaniment to the minimal text, working with it to evoke the emotional aspects of the little one's experience. Whether he is uneasy about participating because he is new or self-conscious of his gender presentation (four of the other students wear tutus; one wears only leggings) is never addressed, leaving this text open to interpretation and discussion. What is clear is that his nonstereotypical gender presentation is celebrated and affirmed. A star sticker from the teacher for his participation leaves Bear "very glad" he joined the class, where he has also made a new friend--a bespectacled, darker-furred bear. A positive, contemporary view of individuality and nonjudgmental acceptance. (Picture book. 3-5)

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January 1, 2020

Toddler-PreS-The adorable little cub introduced in Gee's Mad, Mad Bear is having a much better day! He has new leggings, slippers, and a tutu, and is off to dance school. Once he arrives at class, Bear feels a little less sure of himself. This new experience leaves him feeling shy, a little afraid, and different from his classmates. However, when the music starts, he begins to feel light, bubbly, and twirly, and becomes glad once more. Using the simplest language and full-bleed friendly illustrations in muted pastels, this winning story is perfect for sharing one-on-one or with a group. VERDICT Gee explores a multitude of feelings that come with any new and exciting experience. A bonus feature is that it subtly subverts gender norms.-Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR

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