Rainbow Bear

A hungry little bear’s post-hibernation search for grub turns into a simple introduction to colors in Martin and Sampson’s genially narrated picture book, with mixed-media art from Beauvois. Awakening from a “long winter’s nap,” Little Bear, a wide-eyed brown fellow, “walks around the cave until he finds his mommy,” who sensibly advises that he venture outside for sustenance. The intrepid cub feasts on a veritable rainbow of berry varieties, each time exclaiming “Yummy, tum, tee!” Evidence of the multicolored snacking transforms the youth’s fur into technicolor brightness—a metamorphosis that reaches its pinnacle in a chromatic conclusion. Collage and swirled-paint textures accompany bold type, underlining simple text and concept instruction via a jolly walk in the woods. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)