Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2012 PreS-K—Wilson does it again in this new installment about Bear and his forest friends. This time Bear is bored and wants to throw a party. When he discovers that he has nothing in his cupboards with which to whip up a feast, he becomes despondent. But his trusty pals come to the rescue, all offering up something for the festivities. Bear is thankful for their generosity but still feels sad that he has nothing to make. Once again, his friends help him understand how much he is loved by telling him that his stories are the most valuable contribution to the party. The illustrations are as detailed as ever, and children will want to reach out and hug Bear because he is so fluffy and welcoming. The rhymes are pleasing to the ear and move the story along. This is a great choice to share in storytime when discussing gratitude, sharing, or thanks.—Cass Mabbott, Seattle Public Library, WA - Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2012 Bored and lonely in his cave, Bear thinks of inviting his friends to a feast, but he has no food to offer them. To his surprise, Mouse stops in with a huckleberry pie, Hare brings muffins, Badger offers fresh-caught fish, and Gopher, Mole, Owl, Raven, and Wren arrive with nuts, pears, and herbs. Though Bear is happy to see them, he feels uncomfortable because he has no food to share. Not to worry—his friends encourage him to share his stories instead. Told in rhymed verse, the text reads aloud smoothly. As the animals arrive with their edible gifts, a repeated line, “and the bear says thanks,” gives children a chance to participate in the story. The book’s large format allows plenty of space for the illustrations, and Chapman’s lively acrylic paintings make the most of it. Even preschoolers new to the series will be charmed by this big, gentle bear and his generous woodland friends. - Copyright 2012 Booklist.