REVIEWS+

More Bears!

by Kenn Nesbitt
32p. 978-1-40223-835-2.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—The author of this story believes he has his plotline completely in hand as he begins. However, within three lines, unseen children begin to demand "More Bears!" The author tries to insist on his original vision, but caves in to their clamor. The bears begin entering the book, one by one, then in pairs, until there are more and more and more bears. The author then has to step back in and get rid of all the creatures crowding the pages. The bears are funny and charming, all with their own little quirks to distinguish them from the multitude. A father is called Captain Picklehead and Elbow wears his underpants on the outside of his clothes. Since the story is just the author/child interaction and naming the characters, the illustrations have to pop to keep the list from being overwhelming. Cummings's smooth, digitally rendered artwork does the job admirably. There is strong color on every page, and the bears are infused with zaniness and fun. The participatory refrain of "More Bears" will bring this selection to life at storytimes.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ
An author writing a story with "absolutely no bears" caves to children's offstage demands for "MORE BEARS!" The bear population increases exponentially until the author demands that they all leave. The execution of this offering's meta-narrative premise feels a little forced. Cummings's illustrations have a humorous retro style.
Reviewed by Susan E. Murray , Jan 01, 2011

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