Bearcub always knows where his Mama is. By her side, he discovers how to catch a fish, dig for grubs, climb a tree and find honey. As he grows, he sometimes leaves her to feast in the cornfield or play in the waterfall. But the day he finds frost and ice on the shore, he has so much fun skidding and splashing, that he doesn’t see the snowstorm coming. Blinded by snow, he howls for Mama, but no answer, so he follows the scent of his trail until he finds familiar trees and home. However, Mama isn’t in their den. Bearcub remembers her strength and the lesson that all storms pass and in the morning, she’s there licking him. The textured effect of the acrylics on canvas adds dimension to the charming double spreads. Some focal points zoom in on Bearcub’s head, subtly accentuating his feelings of being alone. Preschoolers will find the heartwarming story reassuring and comforting and as appealing and snuggly as fuzzy slippers. (Picture book. 3-5)
