Bear in a Square by Stella Blackstone, Debbie Harter (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Share the adventures of a big, friendly bear as he roams through all sorts of crazy settings, discovering different shapes along his way. With its vibrant art and lively, rhyming text, "Bear in a Square" offers a fun-filled and exciting way of helping small children learn their shapes. It also gives plenty of counting practice. Full-color illustrations.

Children's Literature

The colorful and charming full-page illustrations will immediately draw the young reader into this story about Bear and the clever ways he enjoys the seasons. "Bear loves to play when the sun shines, he loves to sing in the rain." Bear enjoys many seasonal activities like skating and flying a kite on a windy day. Stormy days are spent in bed, but when it snows, Bear likes to make snow-bears. Bear even likes to stand on his head when the moon shines. Bear's year-long antics and activities are a great way to introduce young readers to the concept of seasons. The large text is also easy for young eyes to follow. Readers will enjoy reading or listening as Bear happily makes his way through spring, summer, fall and winter. This whimsical tale is one in the series of Bear books that include Bear in a Square and Bear on a Bike. 2001, Barefoot Books, $14.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sue Reichard

Children's Literature

Stars, squares, triangles and hearts along with a variety of other shapes are featured in this colorful book for preschoolers. Young children will enjoy learning how to count with the bear found on every page. The vibrant illustrations reinforce the fun that can be shared in this early learning experience.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-Bear is shown out and about in different types of weather throughout the year in this appealing picture book. He plays in the sunshine; sings in the rain, la Gene Kelly; paints when it's misty; and builds snow bears in the winter. Each page contains a single line of rhyming text and is complemented by a double-page watercolor scene done in vibrant hues. The use of thick watercolor paper adds depth and texture to bring the sky, hills, and bears to life. The words flow smoothly and the pictures will project well for storytime. A slight but appealing addition.-DeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Blackstone (see review, above) asks readers to "Find the bear in the square" in the first spread, where a bear waves a polka-dot scarf from the window of an apartment building. The simple look of the jewel-toned art evolves as the shapes become less basic; six more bears have joined the first by the time children are told to "Find the diamonds on the crown." A strip on every spread has a pattern of repeated shapesþincluding "zigzag" and "moon" in crescent form, not as elemental as the othersþto help the very young in the search. (Picture book. 2-4)

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