Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Bob is a self-proclaimed "very boring" bear. His hobbies include dusting plants, counting toothpicks, and sitting. Especially sitting. He has a markedly zany best friend who is quite the opposite. Jack is seen surfing, on safari, skateboarding, and the like. Bright acrylics highlight the characters. Pages depicting Jack are bold and intense, while illustrations for Bob tend to be in subdued colors on largely white backgrounds. The actual story lacks a true plotline, focusing solely on the characters' hobbies and never progressing beyond Bob's self-deprecating stance. The large text and colorful images are appealing, but the lackluster text makes this an additional purchase at best.-Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Bob the bear mostly likes to sit; if he's "feeling zany," he might go for a (slow) walk. His panda friend Jack surfs and rides roller coasters. As Bob and Jack play together, they prove that opposites attract and friendships may flourish. The two are fittingly depicted in the illustrations, with Bob's backgrounds simple and spare while Jack's are full of color. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Bob the bear warns readers on the very first page: He's "very boring." No doubt about it. His favorite activity is sitting. If he's feeling adventurous he might sit in an empty parking lot, but still, it doesn't get much better than sitting. Bob's panda friend Jack, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He does wild stuff. Crazy stuff. Zany stuff. How could Bob and Jack ever be friends? Alsenas expertly shifts between high- and low-energy illustrations, adapting his style to each bear's personality, but he shines at portraying the quiet, contemplative nature of Bob. Flat, muted colors and expansive white backgrounds instantly slow the pace. Even the drooping plants mirror Bob's ho-hum attitude. The genius of this work is not simply in the contrasts, but that, in slowing kids down, Bob's visual narrative will make them see the beauty of such simple acts as looking at the moon. Stories of unlikely friendships may be a dime a dozen, but this duo is endearing. A simple lesson of celebrated differences. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
