Bear's Big Day

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.