Bear Is Awake! An Alphabet Story

A grizzly bear rouses prematurely from hibernation and stirs up hunger-fueled pandemonium for a child in Harrison’s narrative abecedarian. Each letter describes elements of the duo’s journey, the dynamic illustrations proving of particular note as the bear awakens, rings the child’s doorbell, and after being disguised in a yellow cap, ambles with the girl, visiting a library to learn about bears’ needs and a market to acquire hibernation supplies. After pancakes at the girl’s cabin, the pair plods through the wilderness toward the bear’s den so the animal can resume its slumber—this time with treats, a quilt, and the girl’s own teddy. Humorous facial expressions occur every step of the way, and the bear’s good-natured mayhem should draw smiles. Ages 3–5. [em](Nov.) [/em]