Stormy Night

November 10, 2014
Bear and his stuffed rabbit Floppy, introduced in the emotionally nuanced Found, are dealing with a very dark and stormy night: “The wind was whirring, the trees were crackling, and the rain was pounding against the windows.” Bear sings Floppy a sweet song, regaining some courage as he offers comfort. Then Mama and Papa appear, equally discombobulated by the storm (in fact, at their request, Bear’s bed becomes a one-night-only family bed), and are put at ease by their loving son. How did Bear get to be so good at making other people feel better? Readers soon see that his parents were excellent role models. Yoon’s bright colors and big shapes make this scary storm story feel thoroughly cozy, and readers will be tickled to see Bear adeptly comfort his panicky parents. But a sentimental tone, combined with a flashback to Bear as a baby in diapers, makes the complex hero of the first book feel more generic this time around. Ages 3–6. Agent: Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

November 1, 2014
Bear and Floppy of Found fame (2014) are back to soothe little fears. A storm is noisily disrupting Bear's attempt to sleep, and Floppy isn't doing too well, either. Thunder rumbles, and Bear dives under the bed with Floppy. Mama comes into his bedroom under the pretense of needing comfort herself. Papa, looking uncertain, also needs Bear to help him through the storm. Bear is happy to oblige both of them. After a particularly loud boom, Mama and Papa return the favor and kiss Bear's nose and tickle his ear. The storm eventually quiets, and all end up cuddled together in Bear's bed. The refrain, "Bear felt better," is repeated throughout the story as Mama and Papa use different strategies to help Bear overcome his anxiety. Readers will appreciate the graduating reassurances that range from self-soothing to group hugs. The ditty used by both Bear and his parents is hampered by faulty meter, a minor weak point: "I'll hold you tight. I'll keep you warm. / My love will keep you safe from the storm." Yoon's familiar digitized art evokes the texture of pastel crayons outlined in heavy black. Bear's emotions are displayed to good effect with simple tweaks of eye and mouth positions. Youngsters will empathize with Bear and derive comfort from the loving togetherness his family displays while keeping the storm at bay. (Picture book. 3-6)

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October 1, 2014

PreS-K-Though the lightning will crash and thunder will boom, this comforting story successfully addresses the common fear of storms for a young audience. One by one, Bear comforts those closest to him, from his sweet stuffed rabbit to his parents, as the weather bangs outside. Varied vocabulary emphasizes the dramatic rush and whizz of the swirling storm. "The wind was whirring, the trees were crackling, and the rain was pounding against the windows." Taut pacing demonstrates the storm's urgency. Initially, Bear models a reassuring demeanor to those around him. "'Don't worry, ' said Bear. 'I'll hold you tight. I'll keep you warm. My love will keep you safe from the storm.'" When the weather proves too much for even this brave little bear, Mama and Papa return the favor by cuddling close to their favorite cub. Digital illustrations make use of bright colors that emphasize the sweet love of Bear's protective family, and thick black lines add a youthful energy to the warmth found within his cheerful home. This storm's impact has no lasting power against a family's love.-Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

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