Bear & Hare—Where's Bear?

In their third book, Bear and Hare play hide-and-seek. Expressive pencil, watercolor, and wax-crayon illustrations of Bear in woefully inadequate hiding spots will tickle storytime audiences, as will those of Bear searching for Hare in a teapot, under a rug, etc.; a small drama adds just enough tension. Gravett's pacing of both the minimal text and amiable art makes this a satisfying read-aloud.

In their third book (Bear & Hare Go Fishing, rev. 7/15; Bear & Hare: Snow!), the two friends play hide-and-seek. Hare counts to ten (and easy-to-see numerals dance across double-page spreads each time a character counts). "Where's Bear?" Not hard to find, that's for sure: behind a lamp, a small pile of books, and finally a glass fish tank. "Oh, Bear!" Images of big, bulky Bear in woefully inadequate hiding spots will tickle storytime audiences, as will those of Bear searching for Hare in a teapot ("No"), under a rug ("No!"), behind a framed picture ("NO!"). At this point in the story, young listeners will eagerly scan Gravett's expressive pencil, watercolor, and wax-crayon illustrations for visual humor. When Bear checks under the blanket on the bed, they will likely notice Hare's ears poking out from the part of it that's on the floor. A small drama adds just enough tension: Hare crawls out from under the blanket (which now covers a big, bulky form on the bed) and can't find Bear. Frantic searching ensues; Hare's desperate plea -- "I WANT BEAR!" -- wakes up the lump on the bed and reunites the two pals. Gravett's pacing of both the minimal text and amiable art makes this a satisfying read-aloud find. kitty flynn