Bear Has a Story to Tell

PreS-Gr 2—Bear is feeling sleepy, but before he hibernates, he wants to tell his friends a story. Mouse, Duck, Frog, and Mole are all too busy preparing for winter to listen. So, Bear good-naturedly helps his friends with their preparations before going to sleep himself. Several months later, Bear rolls out of his cave. He's excited that spring has arrived and he can now tell his story. Bear gathers all his friends around, but then realizes he has forgotten what his story was about. His friends give helpful suggestions until Bear comes up with a new story to share. Both the CD and the DVD include delicate background music that complement this gentle tale. Narrator Mike Birbiglia voices sound effects, such as stretches and yawns, and uses a different voice for each character. In a bonus track on the CD, Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Erin E. Stead explains where the idea for Philip C. Stead's picture book (Roaring Brook, 2012) came from. She also talks about her decision to create the illustrations using pencil and ground up chalk pastels mixed with water. In an interview on the DVD, Stead demonstrates how to draw and paint Bear. Both formats are expertly produced, and their tone matches and honors this tender story of woodland friendship.—Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA