BIG BEAR IS COMING!

In this U.K. import, four “rumbly-and-tumbly” young bears scamper away from a daunting foe.

Deep in the woods, a family of cubs (all different shades of brown) hears a “shuffle-shuffling,” a “scritch-scratching,” and a “stamp-stomping.” Oh no! It can only mean one thing. “BIG BEAR IS COMING!” They clamber down to the river to hide. But wait. Now they smell an unmistakable odor: “fishy breath, a very stinky bottom, and the strong stench of wet, soggy fur.” It must mean that “BIG BEAR IS COMING!” The irrepressible cubs scurry out of reach, up a tree, so they’ll be able to spot Big Bear lumbering closer. Alas, they’re so distracted that they don’t see the scary monster hidden in the branches (“WHOO WHOO” could it be?). Luckily, they have a big, soft friend to help save the day. At first Big Bear is a shadowy figure, but he slowly comes into view as the story progresses. Sharp-eyed readers just might guess who Big Bear really is. Allepuz’s forest bursts at the seams with greens, purples, and blues, and the repeated refrain is so frantic that it’s impossible to not shout along. The tale also offers a clever reminder to use all of our senses when making sense of one’s surroundings.

Sneaky, suspenseful, and super fun.