Reviews

The whimsical watercoloring and playful text make Oh, Bear a delightful story of fun and friendship. The soft illustrations give it a high re-readability appeal, as does Bear's good natured attitude. Yet for all it's fun, there's a nice level of depth to the tale, of celebrating when your loss becomes another's gain. —The Goodfather

This book had a thoughtful message of sharing and loving. Bear is a good example of not hanging on to possessions when they need to be passed on to help someone in need.—
The Fun Uncle

The illustrations in this book are so soft, and while the story isn't long, it's delightfully sweet and charming, leaving plenty of room for the reader's imagination to wander.—The Book Snob Mom

PreS-Gr 1-For his birthday, Bear receives a bright yellow kite. Bear plays with his wonderful gift, running through meadows, along the sea, and into the forest until it is caught in a tree and torn. At first, Bear is sad to have lost his gift but when it is repurposed by a bright yellow bird he realizes that he has gained something even more valuable. Whimsical illustrations give the book a quiet and magical ambiance. Bear pulls his kite along the seashore with a party hat perched jauntily on his head. The kite string accumulates detritus during the journey, ultimately festooning his forest home with clams, twigs, flowers, and pinecones. VERDICT A gorgeous picture book that imparts its message of kindness and renewal with precise words and delicate illustrations. Perfect for fans of Michelle Cuevas's The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles or Julie Fogliano's If You Want to See a Whale.-Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library, RI — School Library Journal

As a children’s elementary librarian and illustrator, I was completely enchanted by OH, BEAR. The writing is so lyrical and poetic with a beautiful ending that both children and adults would be wise to take to heart. The illustrations and design of each page are a complete delight in their delicacy and spaciousness. So fresh and soothing at the same time. Highly recommended. —Diane Greenseid

One of the most strikingly beautiful picture books of 2019. I was fortunate to see one of the illustrator's original pieces of art for this book up close at The Society of Illustrators in NYC this past fall. Hard to take your eyes away from it. So uniquely charming and lovely.—Laura Harrison