Something About a Bear

Morris introduces a toffee-colored bear, seen nose to nose with a curious teddy bear (“Let me tell you something—something about a bear”) before exploring wild bears, including a spectacled bear, moon bear, and polar bear. Supple paintings depict the bears in their natural environments, and the accompanying descriptions are equally lush: “Through the forest, hunting termites and the honey hives of bees, where the mangoes and the fruit trees grow in plenty, walks the shaggy-coated Sloth Bear.” Morris’s watercolors beautifully render the subtleties of color and light in the bears’ fur. A cozy conclusion and a glossary round out this educational and handsome offering. Ages 3–6. (Sept.)