Wonder Bear

August 4, 2008
Making her debut with this publication of her M.F.A. thesis project, Nyeu tells the wordless story of two children who cultivate an enormous beanstalk-like plant, which in turn sprouts the titular bear, all in one night. With help from Wonder Bear's magical blue hat, the children are treated to a series of fantastic spectacles and adventures, culminating in a ride through the sky on the back of a royal dolphin in the company of other sea creatures. Elaborate patterning, a fondness for curvilinear motifs (gusts of wind, swirls in the ocean) and a saturated palette dominated by lapis and other gem tones give Nyeu's silk-screened compositions a sumptuous, Art Nouveau-meets-psychedelic feel. But her main characters lack the personality to drive a compelling narrative arc; in general, these pictures are like individual showcases for different visual challenges (how to re-create transparent surfaces, how to suggest clouds and sky, etc.). Nyeu's art makes a strong impression; it just doesn't tell much of a story. Ages 3–5.

September 1, 2008
PreS-Gr 1-A dream fantasy in which a boy and a girl plant a "hat seed." Overnight, the seed bears magical fruit: a large white bear with a blue hat. From this hat, the bear proceeds to extract monkeys and porpoises as well as sea and firmament into which he carries the drowsing children. Finally cuddling them and tucking them in once again, the dream bear and monkeys drift back into the night. The slight, wordless story is a showcase for Nyeu's art. Executed in silkscreen with water-based ink, the bold palette of warm golden oranges and cool blues, assertive line, and handsome design are strikingly confident. There are a few visual holes in the story, but on the whole, this debut is worth a second look, even if it is not an essential purchase."Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2008
In this wordless picture book, a young boy and girl plant a garden that sprouts overnight into a sky-high tangle of flowering blue and green vines. From the most magnificent of the blossoms emerges Wonder Bear, an enormouswhite bear with a magical top hat that conjures up a multitude of acrobatic monkeys, ravenous bubble lions, and flying sea creatures to entertain the kiddies.A whimsical mix of vibrant color, simple lines, and curving shapes and patterns that evoke the work of Wanda Gg, Nyeus artwork shines in the books dynamic double-page spreads. Although there isnt much of a story line piecing together the fantastical scenes, young children will enjoy interpreting the offbeat action that unfolds. As with most things, the monkeys steal the show here, and their antics propel much of the books humor.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)