Yoon's confident storytelling and appealingly chunky artwork create an emotionally resonant tale with some well-handled moments of levity.” —Publishers Weekly
“Yoon's digital illustrations use bold black lines, simple shapes, and bright colors to focus attention on the characters, and Bear's feelings are evident . . . Going to school doesn't mean leaving childhood behind; stuffed lovies have a place still.” —Kirkus Reviews
“These pages will prepare readers for what will surely be a grand adventure . . . A great read-aloud for the beginning of preschool and perfect for one-on-one sharing.” —School Library Journal
“This comforting story successfully addresses the common fear of storms for a young audience . . . This storm's impact has no lasting power against a family's love.” —School Library Journal on STORMY NIGHT
“Readers will appreciate the graduating reassurances that range from self-soothing to group hugs . . . Youngsters will empathize with Bear and derive comfort from the loving togetherness his family displays while keeping the storm at bay.” —Kirkus Reviews on STORMY NIGHT
“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.” —Publishers Weekly on STORMY NIGHT
“A terrific combination for preschoolers and early readers who will sympathize with Bear's competing desires.” —The New York Times Book Review on FOUND
“A thoughtful, flawlessly executed exploration of theory of mind and emotional intelligence.” —starred review, Publishers Weekly on FOUND
“A winning tale about finding new friends.” —Kirkus Reviews on FOUND
“Charm and warmth suffuse every page of this book, and the message that it's important to do the right thing even when it's hard is one that everyone needs to hear.” —Library Media Connection on FOUND
“A touching, satisfying story that models healthy love between people and their toys.” —School Library Journal on FOUND
08/01/2016
PreS—Bear is very excited about going to school, and these pages will prepare readers for what will surely be a grand adventure. Bear can cut his own pancakes. He has a backpack full of supplies. But as he gives his precious Floppy a goodbye hug, it takes no more than Yoon's deft alteration of the little bear's mouth for viewers to know that things may not turn out as he had hoped. Indeed, missing Floppy practically ruins his day. Luckily, Bear's perceptive teacher helps him make a little pocket on his backpack so that the two can continue on their adventures. Preschoolers will have noticed that some of the other students depend on their own "special friends" during the school day, too, and can easily connect with the notion that "being big doesn't mean you have to do everything by yourself." Yoon's trademark digital black-outlined illustrations provide a vivid background for this tight little tale aimed at the youngest students. VERDICT A great read-aloud for the beginning of preschool and perfect for one-on-one sharing.—Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence, RI
2016-05-04
Bear may be big enough for school, but that doesn't mean he has to do everything by himself now.Bear is excited and proud to be going to school for the first time. He has a big-bear backpack with pockets for each of his school supplies: his lunchbox, glue, pencil case, and crayons. But there's no place for Floppy, his stuffed bunny. Readers with their own beloved stuffies will intuitively sense what the story's problem will be from Bear's sad glance back at Floppy, who is sitting propped up on Bear's windowsill. Sure enough, "something—or someone—was missing," and Bear doesn't color or eat snack or nap with his classmates. Miss Fox notices and asks what the matter is. Bear figures he's just not ready for school yet, but she tells him that "even big teachers need help sometimes." Together, they use craft supplies to fashion a pocket for Floppy, and Bear enjoys the second day doing big-bear things with Floppy securely in his backpack (alongside the stuffed pals of Bear's classmates). Yoon's digital illustrations use bold black lines, simple shapes, and bright colors to focus attention on the characters, and Bear's feelings are evident. His classmates include a lamb, a moose, and a panda (who eats snack with chopsticks).Going to school doesn't mean leaving childhood behind; stuffed lovies have a place still. (Picture book. 3-6)
