Patrick in a Teddy Bear's Picnic and Other Stories

This emerging reader graphic novel by the Geisel Award%E2%80%93winning Hayes follows a young anthropomorphic bear named Patrick Brown and his gentle, laugh-filled adventures with his loving mother and father. In the first story, Patrick and his mother go on a picnic, and Patrick makes various discoveries regarding blowing up balloons and bugs, and sailing a toy boat. In the second story, Patrick confronts the Big Bear bully with wits rather than violence. These two tales are interspersed with one-pagers depicting such topics as Patrick's disdain for nap time. Very young readers will have no trouble following Hayes's gorgeous artwork, and the eager-to-please Patrick sets a good example. Readers will find the most humor in the expressions, as when the mama bear is less than thrilled with Patrick's decision to jump in puddles. Ages 5%E2%80%937. (Apr.)