El oso cansado

Gr 1-4–Mr. Bear is exhausted after walking through the forest when he discovers a large tree perfect for a relaxing nap. This tree is not only hidden and leafy but also has a honeycomb, ideal for an after-nap snack. But rest does not come easy when a cow, a sheep, a duck, and a hen notice the delicious honey and ask Mr. Bear for help, disregarding his sleepiness. Only one small animal with cute ears and a long tail is respectful and patient. This picture book is structured as a play in two acts with a prologue and an epilogue. The black-font humorous narrative rests on a white background, intertwining with the colorful, sketchlike illustrations that expressively convey the meaning of the text. The illustrator’s deliberate, straightforward art highlights each child dressed as one of the animals in this story, a setting meant to help children set up the play. This Spanish-language play offers vocabulary words and text repetition to help children memorize the lines but requires language fluidity to read the three-to-nine-line paragraphs. This book could be used in a play at school addressing courteousness and respectful behavior and how these personality traits help children make good friends. The authors offer feedback for kids who want to try this play.