Bernard on His Own Rnf

Hoff ( Danny and the Dinosaur ) sticks to the basics in this agreeable tale of a bear cub named Bernard. Simplicity marks the vaguely angular, line-drawn illustrations, which do not stray far from an unassuming combination of blue sky, green trees and brown bears. The narrative, too, proves uncomplicated: Bernard wants to act like a grown bear, but he still has a thing or two to learn about the wilderness. Bernard's mother and father diligently rescue him when he disturbs a bees' nest or climbs too high in a tree, but one day the bruin bravely ventures off alone. He learns that he can indeed stand on his hind legs and growl like a bigger bear, but he's also glad to return to the security of home at day's end. Hoff's characters include parents who are concerned but not overprotective, and a cub who both treasures and fears independence. This gentle, encouraging book may appear bland in comparison to its more vibrant or quirky peers, but it offers a universal, family-oriented message. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)