No

Rueda returns to a setting close to that of 2009’s My Little Polar Bear (a snowy landscape), with similar characters (a mother bear and cub), and even a similar plot device (youngster caught in a snowstorm). As with that book, the spreads are cold and spare. The bears resemble paper cutouts; the palette is limited to austere white, blues, grays, and browns; the surfaces are clean and unworked; and dots of snow provide movement. Yet the books differ in approach. Before, the narrative soothed; here it takes the form of a lively conversation. “ ‘It’s time to go to sleep,’ said mother bear. ‘No,’ said little bear. ‘I don’t want to go to sleep.’ ” She warns him that he’ll “freeze out here,” to which he retorts, “I’m not cold.” Back and forth they banter, until a storm demonstrates how reassuring the safety of their den can be. Little Bear denies any weakness, though: “Winter is very long,” he tells his mother, “and I thought you might get lonely.” Rebellious children will recognize themselves with a smile. Ages 2–5. (Aug.)