The Bear Who Wasn't There

August 22, 2016
Despite the title, the increasingly frustrated narrator of this lighthearted metafictional tale clearly expects a bear to show up: there are bear footprints all over the pages. But the other animal characters (plus one tree) are no help whatsoever. They include a spotlight-hogging duck who is busy shilling his own book, The Duck Who Showed Up; a prankster mouse; and a turtle wearing a fake bird’s beak over his nose. “Where is the Author?” the narrator finally demands as the silliness escalates, but even though she dutifully appears (and bears a striking resemblance to Pham), she seems a little confused herself. “Did I draw all this?” she says, taking in the goofball characters who fill the spread margin to margin. “Man, I have been busy.” The extensive repertoire of perplexed expressions, combined with lots of smart-alecky humor and sight gags (including a very funny, bear-shaped “bird pyramid” with the aforementioned turtle at its base) should leave readers feeling like they’re in on a very clever joke. Ages 3–6. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt.

Starred review from July 15, 2016
Where is Bear? Here, there, anywhere?A zany assortment of animals, among them a conceited author-duck suffering from major ursine jealousy and an animal who signs its name ANONYMOUSE, all offer commentary, directions, and advice on bear-spotting in colorful speech bubbles. Readers in this very interactive title are invited to open a door only to find an embarrassed giraffe seated on the toilet. A boar, not a bear, holding a pear shares a page with a "bare hare." Bear's paw prints march across the pages, and he is seen posing majestically in a silhouetted shadow. But look closely at one leg held aloft in a graceful arabesque. Yes, it is not Bear but Duck's Amazing Bird Pyramid. Even the paint-speckled author/illustrator joins in the quest as she stares in astonishment at the crowded two-page spread of her very own creatures, including a broom-wielding crocodile who loves to sweep--but no Bear. Finally: "WE FOUND HIM!!!" Or did we? Pham's colorful digital illustrations against white pages depict moose, mice, and many other entertaining critters. Readers are encouraged to explore, pore over details, and follow the comical clues. The wordplay is delightfully nonsensical. Look--and laugh out loud. (Picture book. 4-7)

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October 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-The author/illustrator draws inspiration from the one thing that has been missing from all of her previous work: a bear. All parts of the book, from the case cover to the inside front and back covers to the title page, make light of the absence of the bear. The text is metafictional, calling attention to itself and even bringing Pham in as a character late in the tale. Much of the narrative is told through dialogue in which a cast of animal characters provide information about the bear's whereabouts and suggestions for where to find it. Anticipation builds with each page turn and every new animal who appears. The large cast includes aliens, armadillos, koalas, sloths, dinosaurs, zebras, and more. The author speaks directly to readers in a tone that is fun and light. The mixed-media art supports the humor by depicting cartoon animals who have exaggerated features and exhibit many human actions, such as standing on two legs, drinking out of a straw, using a toilet and a bathtub, and performing acts of magic, while the search for the bear takes place. The ending offers readers the payoff they were waiting for. VERDICT This witty picture book is perfect for storytime.-Samantha Lumetta, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016
Preschool-G What to do when the featured character of the storythe titular bearis missing? An eager mallard seizes the chance for his moment in the spotlight, dismissing bears as irresponsible and hawking his own story, The Duck Who Showed Up. Despite many diversions, a wildly diverse and abundant cast of animals continues their search for the beareven the author-illustrator shows up. At one point, the whole horde of creatures gathers across two pages to make sure there is no bear among them, though most of the pages provide an uncluttered narrative. While reminiscent of books like Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003) and Kelly Bingham's Z Is for Moose (2012), this has its own personality with numerous animals making cameosa giraffe on a toilet, a moose about to be sawed in two, a boar, and a bare hare, to name a few. When you have plenty of crisply colored characters imbued with spirited temperaments and an interactive, engaging text, who needs a bear? Perhaps the mallard makes his point.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)