cover image A Letter for Maria

A Letter for Maria

Elizabeth Lindsay. Orchard Books (NY), $0 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-531-05775-9

Bear writes his friend Maria a picture letter, then journeys to the hospital to deliver it, finds her and gets a hug. The plot is cute but not logical; Bear cannot write, but he can make a treacherous walk to the hospital alone (getting drenched on the way) and find the room (#120) alone. Rhetorical questions (``What is the number on the door? Bear looks carefully. This is it.'') create a condescending tone. The pictures are warm, if bland, and the simplicity may appeal. While the underlying emotionsmissing a friend, joy in finding himare certainly on target for the young child, the story disappoints. Ages 2-6. (September)