WHAT CAN I DO?

A young bear is tired of hearing rules about what can’t be done in Rhea-Bailey’s picture book.

There are so many rules about what kids shouldn’t do: talk to strangers, wander away, grab things from other people, touch the stove, or ride a bike alone. How much can one small bear handle? When the cub asks the book’s titular question, the answers that come back are much more cheerful: The youngster can express love through hugs and kisses, making gifts, or calling family members on the phone. The little bear can draw, play games, read, or sing. The narrator concludes, “Just be creative and use your mind. / You will find something to do in just a short time.” For children tired of hearing “don’t” and feeling like there are too many rules to remember, this lovely affirmation reminds them that, for all the things they can’t do, there are plenty of things they can. Rhea-Bailey uses rhyming phrases that scan well throughout, with an accessible vocabulary rendered in large, all-caps text to make decoding easier. Reynolds’ expressive illustrations also provide clues to help emergent readers decipher the phrases. The switch between sections emphasizing “don’ts” to those featuring “cans” shifts the little bear’s entire perspective, going from confused or unhappy to bright smiles, which should reinforce positive and creative behaviors for youngsters.

A simple concept about focusing on good options, well delivered for a young audience.