Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story

In 2011’s Spring Is Here! Mole worked to awaken Bear from his winter hibernation; both are up and at ’em in this sequel, in which a windy day has Bear rushing to find Mole so they can fly a kite together. Hillenbrand devotes several spreads to the creation of the kite, emphasizing teamwork and the pleasures of construction. The friends’ bright clothing and the gold of the kite stand out like beacons against the muted mixed-media backgrounds, especially when a storm moves in and threatens the fun. The ending, in which the escaped kite finds a new purpose, is a tad abrupt, but narrative repetition and onomatopoeia make this as satisfying a readaloud as its predecessor. Ages 3–6. (Mar.)