I Promise

When Baby Bear asks Mother Bear to sing to him, she promises that she will—later—which leads into a contemplative conversation of what promises mean. As the bears make their way through a forest and meadow on their way back to their den, Mother Bear explains that there are some things she can’t promise, such as that Baby Bear will always be happy. (“Your happiness will depend mostly on you,” she says. “But I will do everything I can to help.”) McPhail’s lush naturescapes provide an expansive backdrop for the bears’ intimate discussions and tender moments, which will be instantly recognizable to parents and children alike. Ages 4–8.[em] Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Mar.) [/em]