MAKE MORE S'MORES

A story of sharing and kindness—and s’mores!

The marshmallow has been “slowly turned and gently roasted” over glowing campfire coals. The graham crackers and the chocolate squares are ready. Roscoe the raccoon assembles his first s’more, but when Grizzly Bear arrives and asks, “Is that for me?” of course Roscoe shares and begins to roast two more marshmallows, one for his s’more and one for Grizzly’s second. When two black bear cubs beg for a snack, Grizzly Bear agrees to wait for a second s’more. The cubs lick the plate clean, and Roscoe, who still hasn’t had one bite, patiently and politely begins to roast more marshmallows. Unfortunately, his stick snaps, sending the marshmallows into the fire. When the cubs search for a new stick, they also find their mother, who wants to join the party. Grizzly groans, but Roscoe puts everyone to work, and they create and share “toasty, / creamy, / sweet and gooey, / Crispy, / crunchy, / slightly chewy” s’mores. At the end of the night, the grateful guests tuck Roscoe in and leave him a thank-you note. Enhancing the rhymed text, lively illustrations feature expressive faces and highlight Roscoe’s gregarious nature, Grizzly’s grumbling, and the cubs’ awkward enthusiasm. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

One of the few things better than a gooey s’more—a warm, fuzzy friendship tale (about s’mores).