BRAVE BEAR

PLB 0-8027-8705-3 Brave Bear (24 pp.; $14.95; PLB $14.89; Aug.; 0-8027-8704-5; PLB 0-8027-8705-3): Persistence pays off in this captivating story of a small bear who comes the rescue of a bird fallen from its nest. Despite his uncertainty about being able to reach the top of the tree (“It’s so tall”), the bear presses on, fueled by an ongoing, I-think-I-can pep talk to himself (that may make preschoolers feel bold, for he realistically expresses a few doubts), and by the encouragement of his tiny new friend. Minimal text allows the illustrations to take center stage, for the real beauty of the book is in the wonderful perspectives that offer readers a “bear’s-eye view” of the obstacle he successfully tackles. (Picture book. 2-5)