Elbert, the Curious Clock Tower Bear

An easily distracted mechanical bear tries to rid himself of curiosity in this meandering story by Prahin (Brimsby’s Hats). Each hour, Elbert and four other mechanical bears parade atop a clock tower for all to see, but Elbert’s interest in the outside world makes it difficult for him to focus on his duties. When his inquisitiveness causes a pileup, he is cast out of the tower and given 24 hours to get the curiosity out of his system. But despite his best efforts, Elbert can’t stop questioning: Can a stream wash his curiosity off? Can a real bear knock it out of him? Can the wind carry it away? Elbert despairs that he’ll always be full of questions. As the hour of his return looms, however, he finds a way to awaken the other bears’ curiosity rather than banish his own. Characterized by deep purple and blue shadows, Prahin’s pencil and digitally colored illustrations create a world fit for exploration. Elbert’s wide-eyed approach to the world highlights how much there is to be gained by staying open to new experiences. Ages 4–8. Agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. (Mar.)