04/22/2019
Grant (Bear’s Scare) reunites curmudgeonly Bear and his sweet roommate, Spider, in this pleasant forest adventure. Outdoors-loving Spider, sporting a button cap, is eager to fly his new handmade kite. Bear, a homebody, prefers to stay inside to sip tea and clean (noticeably leaving Spider’s webs intact). “But plans have a way of changing,” and after Spider’s kite blows away, Bear agrees to help retrieve it, though not without grumbling about “yucky weeds” and “noisy twitter” out of doors. “Who would ever want to see such an unpleasant forest?” he asks amid an idyllic scene of blooms, waterfalls, and rose-colored butterflies. The story takes a turn when thick lines of slanting rain begin to justify Bear’s complaints, dampening Spider’s mood. Bear plans to head home, but after seeing his down-spirited friend perched on a rock, he relents, and the two continue their quest, camaraderie buoying their spirits as they search. Grant fans will recognize his affable charcoal, crayon, and ink animal portrayals; a jewel-toned palette gives the book an inviting feel. The story resonates with timely themes of tolerance, friendship, and persistence in the face of tealessness. Ages 3–6. (June)
Grant's soft, muted crayon-and-ink illustrations, full of rounded shapes, complement the warm comforting tone of the story . . . A cozy tale of friendship and compromise between two very different creatures.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The humor here is gentle and diverting, and kids will find the surprisingly expressive Spider. . . especially charming.” —BCCB
"With its spare text and large, easy-to-view illustrations, this read-aloud about compromise and companionship will resonate with children." - Shelf Awareness
“Resonates with timely themes of tolerance, friendship, and persistence.” —Publishers Weekly
“This affirming story of friendship includes themes of kindness and perseverance, subtly promoting an appreciation of the outdoors.” —Booklist Online
"Children will absorb the valuable message that compromise is essential to any good friendship and when the going gets tough, buddies still stick together." - School Library Journal online
“Grant's friendship story will catch readers like flies with its artwork and gentle humor, while encouraging them not to make assumptions about others.” —Booklist on BEAR'S SCARE
“This tale about friendship and overcoming prejudices . . . will be enjoyed at storytime and as a subtle introduction to accepting others.” —School Library Journal on BEAR'S SCARE
“Ideal for beginning readers. A sweet, feel-good story with plenty of interesting visual detail.” —Kirkus Reviews on BEAR'S SCARE
“Will make readers smile.” —Publishers Weekly on BEAR'S SCARE
“Goat is the star of this visual show. Like Mo Willems's Pigeon, his whole internal process shows in his eyes. Everyone can relate to the need to grow, and the appreciation for familiarity. A lovely storytime selection for larger collections.” —School Library Journal on THROUGH THE ZOO
“Goat's big eyes telegraph his emotions with gentle humor, and the muted colors and gauzy textures of Grant's illustrations underscore a sense of empathy that extends to readers (and parents) caught between growing independence and the recognition that everyone needs a hug now and then.” —Publishers Weekly on THROUGH THE ZOO
“While this is an easy pick for a cat or crafting storytime, the word repetition and short, simple sentences also puts this within the reach of beginning readers. For all audiences, the final scene in which poor Cat has now acquired two new Yarn friends will incite a riot of giggles.” —BCCB on CAT KNIT
“The simplicity of the story is matched by graphically crisp illustration that captures cats' well-known fascination with bright balls of yarn, as well as the comfort that everyday objects bring, a message little listeners will instinctively understand . . . Will bring smiles along with the message that, though friends might change, they can still remain close to you if you give them a chance.” —Booklist on CAT KNIT
“Offers a comical and gently didactic contribution aimed at an even younger child, with the tale of a little bird who stumbles into the charged realm of curse words thanks to his dad.” —The New York Times Book Review on LITTLE BIRD'S BAD WORD
“A charming, tender and ever pertinent life lesson.” —Kirkus Reviews on LITTLE BIRD'S BAD WORD
05/17/2019
PreS-Gr 2-Spider is eager to fly his homemade kite out in the yard with his friend Bear. The problem is that Bear prefers the indoors followed by a comforting cup of tea in his cozy chair. Spider, on the other hand, loves the warm sun, fresh breeze, and delectable bugs found outdoors. When Spider's kite flies away, Bear agrees to help him find it because that is what good friends do. Grant's story is a follow-up to the popular Bear's Scare, which first introduced Spider. The illustrations are rendered in charcoal and crayon in soft, muted colors. Bear is willing to set aside his own personal desires for the best interests of his friend. Children will absorb the valuable message that compromise is essential to any good friendship, and when the going gets tough, buddies still stick together. VERDICT Fans of Bear's Scare will enjoy this next installment, and note that good friendships are worth the effort.-Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY
2019-03-12
A persnickety, stay-at-home bear is pushed beyond his comfort level by a bold and creative arachnid.
Spider has made a new kite, and he begs his friend Bear to come outside and play. Bear has other plans, namely "a tidy day at the house, followed by a nice cup of tea in his cozy chair." But the wind snatches the kite away from Spider, so Bear grudgingly agrees to help Spider find it. Everything in the forest that delights Spider is anathema to Bear. He does not like the "filthy ground," the "itchy plants," and the "pesky bugs all around" (Spider especially likes them). While Bear grumbles, Spider enjoys all the new sights and sounds of the forest. Eventually both friends are exhausted and deterred by the weather, which has turned nasty. They still haven't found the kite. Just as they are about to give up, they spy the kite high up in a tree. Finally Bear gets his cup of tea, and the friends compromise by flying two kites comfortably from chairs in the garden. Grant's soft, muted crayon-and-ink illustrations, full of rounded shapes, complement the warm comforting tone of the story, and the text is clearly laid out and should be easily read by beginning readers as well as grown-ups. Spider is adorable, composed of two ocher globes with stubby, unthreatening legs, wide eyes, and a button hat.
A cozy tale of friendship and compromise between two very different creatures. (Picture book. 3-5)
