A little boy’s adorable bear cub is the perfect pet—until he begins to grow . . . and grow . . . and grow! Soon this huge bear with his “bearish” ways is just too big to continue living in a human house. But what would be a better home for him?
The boy proposes several different options, from a toy store or a zoo to the woods, a jungle or a cave. In each case, his proposal is met with a resounding “No!” from the bear. None of the choices is quite right . . . until, inspired by the bear’s enjoyment of frozen popsicles (not to mention his bright white coat), the boy stumbles upon the right home for his best friend.
Kids will enjoy chiming in on the boy’s repeated question, “Then where, bear?” and they will giggle at some of the book’s gentle humor. (The bear is clearly terrified of jungles and caves, for example.) Author-illustrator Sophy Henn, who has a background in advertising design, utilizes a sophisticated and stylish palette of muted colors for her vintage-inspired illustrations. She also offers a bit of playful typography, effectively using type size for emphasis and utilizing a whimsical typeface on a two-page circus spread to great effect. Story and pictures combine for a satisfyingly old-fashioned reading experience, one that parents and children alike will find both comforting and beautiful.
