Little Cub

In a spare preamble to Old Bear and His Cub (2010), Dunrea reveals how Old Bear and Little Cub came to be companions. Dunrea strikes a matter-of-fact tone, subtly pointing out the similarities and differences between the bears, while studiously avoiding sentimentality. “Stop that yowling,” says bearded Old Bear, his gentle curmudgeonly nature accentuated by his furrowed eyebrows, when he discovers Little Cub sleeping restlessly in a cluster of rocks. When Little Cub requests that Old Bear teach him to fish and get honey, Old Bear responds patiently yet firmly: “Yes, I will teach you how to fish. Now go to sleep.” Readers will treasure the bears’ gingerly give-and-take—watching them serendipitously become a family of two is a joy to behold. Ages 3–up. (Nov.)