Bear and Bee: Too Busy

In this sequel to 2013’s Bear and Bee, the two friends find themselves at odds. During the day, Bee is too busy to roll down hills, climb trees, or splash in the pond with Bear, and at night, Bear is “too busy sleeping to look at the moon” with Bee. They decide to meet in the middle, luxuriating in the moonlight from the comfort of the pond, though even this solution seems to favor persnickety Bee, since Bear is forced to pull an all-nighter. But while Bee and Bear’s friendship feels lopsided, Bear’s loyalty and ability to enjoy simple pleasures shine through in Ruzzier’s sympathetic illustrations of this duo’s ups and downs. Ages 3–5. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Mar.)