Bears and Boos

These seasoned collaborators treat their feisty bear characters—first introduced in Bears on Chairs—to a Halloween adventure in their latest story touting the benefits of cooperation. Big Brown Bear subtly supervises as the four cuddly cubs dive—literally and greedily—into a cardboard box of Halloween costumes. When little Floppy is pushed aside, she patiently awaits her turn, only to find the plundered box all but empty. Unprompted, the others rush to offer pieces of their costumes, decking Floppy out in festive attire that makes her the self-described “holiday queen!” Walker’s simply rendered acrylic art packs oodles of expressiveness into the soft and fuzzy cubs’ faces and body language, affirming Parenteau’s message: “When the bears all share,/ the bears all win./ Let the Halloween/ celebration begin!” Ages 2–5. (July)