Bear is back! This series by Karma Wilson is one of my favorites. Bear is bored and misses his friends. He decides to make a dinner and invite them over. But, when he goes to check his cupboards they are empty. Serendipitously, one by one, Bear’s friends stop by, bringing something to eat: huckleberry pie, muffins, fish, nuts, pears, and tea. Each time his woodland friends bring something, Bear says thanks. Bear gets depressed when he realizes that he has nothing to add to the feast. His friends reassure him that Bear does have something to share – his stories!
This is a great book for reading to a group. The rhyming text flows smoothly. The phrase, “and the bear says thanks,” is repeated throughout the story, giving young listeners a chance to respond. Jane Chapman does an excellent job with the illustrations, gently conveying the emotions and tone of the story through expressive facial features of the bear and all his friends. This story would be perfect for Thanksgiving, but also anytime of the year when thanks is given.
Check the WRL catalog for Bear Says Thanks
