Review by Booklist Review
In her debut as a writer, picture-book illustrator Hudson treats readers to a delightful story of friendship and acceptance. Bear is fed up being a bear. He doesn't want to sleep all winter or deal with stinging bees in summer. To top it all off, his fur is too hot! Observing a mother duck and her ducklings, Bear decides he'd rather be a duck. With guidance from the mama duck, he tries his hand at building a nest (but doesn't have an egg), swimming (he splashes too much), and even flying (well, more like falling). In the end, Duck tells him he makes a very good bear, and an even better friend. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are warm and expressive. Pops of bright color make details such as red apples, pink flowers, and blue water stand out against muted, natural tones. An appealing and approachable take on an unusual friendship.--Mazza, April Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In her first outing as author, illustrator Hudson (Animal Teachers) keeps her story simple: Bear longs to be a duck but discovers he's better at being a bear. Her watercolor-and-ink artwork is polished, and her narrative voice engages from the start: "He was tired of sleeping all winter. His fur felt hot in the summer. And he was sick of all the angry bees." Bear's low spirits are plain to see as he trudges across a spread with a beehive under his arm and a haunted look on his face. When he spots a mother duck leading her ducklings across a brook, he's transported: "Yes! He could get used to being a duck." A splashing, crashing tutoring session makes it clear that Bear is a poor duck candidate. Children will soon realize that the problem isn't that Bear is the wrong kind of animal-he just needs a friend. Fortunately, Mother Duck accepts him as he is. "You make a really good bear," she assures him as they sit on a tree limb together. Readers will gladly accept Bear as their friend, too. Ages 4-8. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Bear is tired of being a bear. He doesn't like to sleep all winter, and his fur is too hot in the summer. And he is sick of all the angry bees when he tries to gather honey. As Bear sits grumbling under a tree about how much he doesn't want to be a bear anymore, he hears the sound of nearby ducks: "Quack!" Bear decides to join them and tries his hand at being a duck. Duck reluctantly agrees to help him. Lessons abound with nest building, swimming, and evening flying and although Bear is determined, he just can't succeed at his lofty goal. Humorous illustrations reinforce the plot and provide readers with a pleasing story of friendship and subtle lessons on embracing those qualities that make each individual unique. Standout illustrations rendered in ink and watercolor create an inviting mood. Spreads, cute vignettes, and painterly style drawings in warm hues create excellent focal points, making this a winning composition and fun-filled tale. VERDICT A sweet and engaging picture book debut.-Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI (c) Copyright 2015. 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 bear who doesn't want to be a bear follows some ducks, hoping to become a duck. He almost gets there, but in the end realizes being a bear is okay, too. It's a little contrived (why does he decide to climb that tree, thus proving his bear-ness?) but still entertaining. Pastoral ink and watercolor illustrations show the hopeful creature in over his head. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Fed up and frustrated with the indignities of life as a bear, Bear joins a family of ducks only to end up realizing that being a bear has its own compensations. "That's it!" Bear growls after angry bees sting his nose. "I am done being a bear." When a family of ducks passes by, Bear slips into line, hoping he can join in unnoticed. Young children (and their parents) will recognize Bear's angry frustration and then his eager hopefulness as he begs his new friend to teach him how to be a perfect duck. Bear tries to be a good student, building a giant nest to keep an egg safe and warm, swimming with gleefuland splashyjoy, and finding the perfect hill to practice flying. But of course, all does not go as planned. After a crash landing, Bear realizes that he isn't so good at being a duck and climbs a tree to sulk. Debut author/illustrator Hudson delights readers with expressive, endearing characters and sweetly ridiculous situations. Her watercolors are softly shaded, with lovely texture. Ink details add fine points, both in the setting and characters. In the end, Bear and readers realize that being "a really good bear / and a really good friend" are as sweet as licking a paw (or wing) full of honey. A charming story of friendship and acceptance, distinguished by humorous and affectionate illustrations. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
