Reviews

PreS-Gr 1-"When I grow up in about a year" begins this tale of a cub's plans for adulthood. His ambitious ideas include having three friends move in with him so they can stay up late and play nonstop because he thinks that's one of the perks of being a big bear. Living in a toy store, building a tree house, camping, and exploring are also a part of his plans for the future. His earnest ideas always include friends or family with whom he can share his toys, his honey, and his explorations. The ultimate plan is to return home so that his parents can tuck him into bed and give him kisses, "one and two-/for that's what BIG bears always do." This third Baby Bear book by this duo is illustrated in the same bright, sunny hues as the others. The large mixed-media and collage pictures and the rhyming couplets make this title a treat for storytime or for sharing one-on-one.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Favorite picture book characters share in the spotlight once more. Like Baby Bear's Chairs, Baby Bear's Big Dreams by Jane Yolen, illus. by Melissa Sweet, focuses on Baby Bear's sense that the world is meant for big bears. He spends the book dreaming, in couplets, about all of the things he will do when he grows up. But even as he envisions adventures far and wide, Baby Bear still takes comfort in returning home to be with Mama and Papa. (Harcourt, $16 40p ages 3-5 ISBN 9780-15-205291-1; Aug.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.