Glad, Glad Bear!

Gee’s Mad, Mad Bear turns glad when it’s time for dance class in this simple but emotion-filled follow-up. Clad in new leggings, new ballet slippers, and a pink tutu that generates a crinkly-eyed, page-filling grin, Bear happily prepares for dance class. His elation is palpable as he gracefully leaps out the door, but jitters set in at the studio. In gentle scenes, Gee sensitively captures Bear feeling first “a little shy” in his tutu and leggings—a mix of the other kids’ outfits. Luckily, music brings a turning point, eliciting “twirly” feelings that Bear expresses through dance, making him “glad” once more. Rendered in black Prismacolor and digital candy colors, Gee’s thoughtful illustrations sympathetically depict Bear’s shifting emotions in a way that’s realistic and relatable. Ages up to 8. [em](Feb.) [/em]