Where, oh Where is Baby Bear? by Ashley Wolff, NY, Berach Lane Books, $23.99
Just like any small child, Baby Bear revels in boisterous activities like hide-and-seek and his understanding mother buys into the game wholeheartedly.
Each double-page spread shows Baby Bear hiding rather ineptly while on the subsequent pages he playfully reveals his hiding places. That this is done to a not-very-surprised mom is made clear by her sly glances towards his chosen spots.
Baby Bear is oblivious and clearly feels that he has been wildly successful in fooling her. Momʼs love and concern for her childʼs happiness shines through this moonlit tale.
The linoleum block print and watercolour illustrations glow with the reflected moonlight and the forest animals that benevolently look on the interactions between mother and child bring even more warmth to this cosy picture book.
Fran Ashdown was the childrenʼs librarian at the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library. She likes to see the bears that sometimes wander through her yard. For more information check your local libraries.
