One Very Big Bear

Originally published in France, this math-minded picture book introduces a hulking polar bear who is impressed by his own size. “I’m very big!” he proclaims. “I’m almost a giant!” The other polar animals nearby dismiss his size: “You’re not that big,” suggest two walruses who swim up to his ice floe. “Look at this: one + one. We two are just as big as you!” The addition theme continues as three foxes, four sea lions, five penguins, and six sardines hop on each other’s backs to show Bear that they are just as large as he is. In minimalist illustrations that resemble screenprints, Philipponneau and Enjary create rich contrasts by using a color scheme of vivid mint green, black, and white. The closing scene—in which Bear remembers that his mouth is pretty big, too—will leave readers giggling. Ages 3–5. (Oct.)