Review by Booklist Review
A large bear walks through town asking people for help. But before he can explain his problem, each person he asks interrupts the bear to present him with a solution: wings from an inventor, vitamins from a doctor, boots from a shoemaker, and so on. Finally he climbs a hill outside town and meets a friendly fly, who listens to his problem and offers a good solution. The simple text reads aloud well, and children will soon chime in on the repeated refrain. Those listening closely may notice that each person cuts off the bear's sentence one word sooner than the last. Most of the double-page spreads feature large, colorful illustrations in mixed media with collage elements as well as smaller pencil drawings. Fanciful details in the artwork add their own charm to the narrative. First published in Austria, this amusing offering will also appeal to children here.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Bear has a problem, and everyone he meets offers a solution. The only rub is that no one listens long enough to hear what's really bothering him. As he goes through town, an inventor, a tailor, a hatter, a doctor, and shopkeepers load him down with their remedies. At long last, his true concern-he's afraid of his dark cave-is revealed when he meets a fly who is willing to listen and is looking for a new home. While the story is a little bland, the theme of frustration at not being heard will resonate with young audiences. The charming watercolor illustrations are full of details. This title would work best for one-on-one sharing.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY (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
A troubled bear approaches various humans for help, but each tells him what's wrong with him (he needs a scarf, glasses, etc.) before he can state his case (he's afraid of the dark). The humor in the textual repetitions and the illustrations of the bear's interrupters in their well-appointed work environments are a pleasure. (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
"I have a little problem," says the bear to the inventor. "You see, I..." But the inventor doesn't let the bear finish; he knows exactly what he needs: a pair of wings. The nowworried-looking bear goes from shop to shop, each time getting cut off one word earlier in his explanation, each time getting something he clearly doesn't need. Finally, draped about and laden with scarf, hat, vitamins, necklace, eyeglasses, honey and boots, he makes his way out of town, sits down on a hill and sighs. Leffler's muted palette and fine lines eschew exaggerating the situation; rather, they play up the bear's increasing desperation and frustration. When a fly finally listens to the bear, it turns out he is exactly what the bear needs to solve his problem: a friend to keep him company in his cave. The repetitive pattern of the bear's quest might wear, but for the device of the ever-earlier interruptions. This also neatly serves to underscore the tale's message: Take time to listen. A slight but sweet Austrian import. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
