Title: baby bear sees BLUE
Written and illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Published by Beach Lane Books, 2012
Ages: 2-6
Themes: colors, bears, daily rhythm
Opening Lines:
Deep down in the den, baby bear wakes up. He yawns and blinks and stretches his stubby legs.
Synopsis:
All babies are inquisitive and Baby Bear is no different. As soon as he wakes up he starts asking questions. Who is waving at him? Who is singing? who splashed him? And for each question Mama Bear describes the aspect of nature Baby Bear is encountering, flora and fauna and thus Baby Bear discovers his colors. The waving leaves are green and the splashing trout is brown…right through to the end of this day and the grey sky of the storm and full rainbow of colors as the sun arrives, as well as the color as Baby Bear closes his eyes to sleep back in his safe den. Mama Bear is at his side patiently responding to every little question as together they explore the beauty of their forest home.
Why I like this book:
The simplicity of the synopsis does not do justice to the beautiful, evocative, heartwarming kid-centered nature of this story. It is a book that will make you go “ah” involuntarily! The mama/baby bond is adorable and comforting to readers, who know that their parents are there to reassure and respond to their queries as they explore their world. The shades and detailed linocut and watercolor illustrations of each double spread are luminous and inviting for young readers to discover and assert their color awareness. The red wild strawberries and the orange butterflies beckon readers into the charm and life to be found in the forest. The rhythm of the day mirrors the child’s own active days. While there are many books about bears and colors this was very fresh and attractive and had me rereading several times. The text is sparse and the pictures so dazzling that even very young readers will follow through on a group reading of this book.
Also, don’t miss the new Baby Bear book, released just ten days ago – Baby Bear Counts One. I cill certainly be adding this one to our PPBF list.
Activities/Resources:
Six games to teach toddlers colors from What to Expect.
Color recognition from Fishing for Ideas for Preschoolers
Author Eric van Raepenbusch also has some awesome color activities, such as spell your color words to accompany his book THREE GHOST FRIENDS: Learn about colors
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
The cover is beautiful and inviting. This book reminded me of one of our grandsons who followed me around asking questions. I love curious kids. This sounds like a warm and reassuring book for a young child. Nice choice.
Curious bears are cute, too.
I’ve seen this book. It really is stunning. But I haven’t read Baby Bear Counts to One. How exciting!
Joanne, BABY BEAR COUNTS ONE is so hot off the press. I can’t wait to get my hands on it, too. I love this little character.
So like a toddler, isn’t it! What a cute book, Joanne. And I like the clear, vivid illustrations.
All the illustrations are as striking as the front cover, Jarm.
Mira introduced me to this book in her online class. A good example of a simple plot with layers for writers, and a fun story for kids as they anticipate the next color.
So glad that Mira has been using this one in her course.
Sounds like a good book for our family. We are in the “why” stage and perhaps I can learn patience from the mama bear too.
Hey, yes, I think you AND Enzo will love this one, Stacey.
I remember reading and adoring this book while I was taking Mira’s class. It’s definitely one of the lovelier quiet books out there!
Isn’t it great to see such an awesome QUIET book published!
This looks like a wonderful way to learn about all the wonders of our world. Thanks Joanna!
Kirsten, this is one of my favorite concept picture books that I have read this year.
I love the cover, but the title throws me off – is this book only about the color blue?
No, Erik, it is about Baby Bear discovering many colors. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear. 🙂
This sounds so cute! Great pick Joanna.
Too cute, Catherine!
One of the most beautiful books out there!
This one is on my wish list. I really like that little bear. And I like the sound of that Rhythm of his day!
I love this book. The opening line is just amazing. It’s one of those I read time after time…and I think I did say “Ah” every time 🙂
Thanks for making me aware of Baby Bear Counts One! I added it to my list!
I heard about the sequel after posting the blog and went straight back in to edit the information. I can’t wait to read this new one, too.
I love this book, Joanna! How can anyone not want to snatch it up with a cover like that? 🙂 A wonderful title to share with little ones!
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