NEVER ASK A BEAR

Ever wonder what happens if you invite a bear over to play? The answer can be found in this upbeat rhyming tale. A young boy who has apparently experienced such a playdate lets readers know the rules, ten to be exact. In bouncy verse, readers are warned never to ask a bear to close the front door, “Because... / He’ll slam it / And bang it / And push it real hard. / And then your front door / Will end up in your yard!” Readers are also warned against such things as asking a bear to take a seat, play dress-up or play ball because of the cheerful mayhem and destruction he will inevitably cause. Barrette’s typical children’s-book–fare illustrations are cute and funny enough, but they get repetitive since most spreads picture the oblivious bear turning over a table, painting a cat, flooding a bathroom and so forth while the children gape with similar “oh no!” expressions. Not particularly memorable, but readers will most likely find the antics entertaining. (Picture book. 3-6)