BIG BROWN BEAR GOES TO TOWN

McPhail can take the slenderest storyline and turn it into a wonderfully rich experience, and this is a fine example. While waiting for his oatmeal to cool and on his way back from the mailbox (dry mail in hand), Big Brown Bear discovers that his friend Rat’s convertible is filled with rainwater. He dumps it out just before Rat arrives with a bucket for bailing. If only he had someplace dry to keep the car. Off they go to town, with Bear standing on the back of the car, nightshirt flapping in the wind. With very little guesswork, even the youngest readers will figure out what Big Brown Bear has in mind for Rat as he heads first to the bank and then to the hardware store. McPhail’s luscious pen, ink and watercolor art furthers the sense of occasion. When Bear unveils his gift, it turns out that Rat has a little something for Bear to enjoy as well. Gift-giving and sharing the bounty—they keep the world dry and sweeten the oatmeal, as it were. (Picture book. 3-6)