A Bear’s Year

A “cozy dreamer” of a mother bear cuddles with her newborn cubs while hibernating, then emerges with them in the spring. Throughout the seasons, the cubs play, explore, and forage for grubs, berries, roots, and fish: “For they must learn/ what Mama knows/ while flowers bloom/ and grass still grows.” Before long, the weather changes, and it’s time to build a new den: “Days are short./ Nights are long./ North winds sing/ winter’s song.” Turley gives the bear family broad bodies, long snouts, and scribbly fur, while using modest textures and clean, open strokes of flat colors for their forest home. Duval’s verse has the steady, calming rhythm of a nursery rhyme, making this fine reading for those about to embark on some overnight hibernation of their own. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. (Oct.)