The Bear Who Shared

PreS-Gr 2—Reminiscent of fellow bear Pooh's love for honey is Norris's love for plorringes. For that "sun-kissed, soft-as-cotton candy" delicacy, he patiently waits under the plorringe tree for the fruit to ripen. Tulip the raccoon and Violet the mouse, far less serene, wait on a branch. Soon the two reach out to touch the fruit and to take a lick, and "WHOMP!"—the luscious treat wallops Norris on the head. "The plorringe was his!" Here, readers will roar with mirth. The silkscreened tree and its leaves anchor the wispiness of the watercolor and India ink creatures done in layers of broad brushstokes against white backgrounds. The varied and inventive spreads show animals with an array of emotions, as well as movement toward camaraderie. Norris is wise, but "he was also kind." The last illustration is on a single page: having shared the plorringe, Norris, Tulip, and Violet sit so close that they appear to be one unit—friends. This is an exquisite choice for storytimes.—Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City