Review by Booklist Review
Two friends, Bear and Hare, wake up one morning to find it's snowing! Spread after double-page spread show the two enjoying various snowy activities. But Hare seems to be having a much better time than Bear. They catch snowflakes on their tongues, but Bear looks bewildered and uncertain. They make snow angels, but perplexed Bear lies deep in the snow as Hare joyously surveys his perfect bunny prints. Again and again, Hare's exuberance humorously contrasts with Bear's inexplicable unease. It is not until Hare and Bear go sledding that Bear has fun. Gravett's matter-of-fact lines contrast comically with her pencil, watercolor, and crayon illustrations, which showcase the gulf between Hare's and Bear's enjoyment of the snowfall in their subtle but unmistakable facial expressions. Speckled snowflakes adorn the pages throughout, providing continuity and the magical feeling of being out in a snowfall. Though the story is a simple one, these delightfully kind animals and their soft, adorable faces will be ones readers will enjoy getting to know.--Grant, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The odd couple from Bear & Hare Go Fishing, published earlier this year, returns for a snowy outing. From the uncomfortable expressions on Bear's face, it's plain to see that he isn't enjoying the experience as much as Hare is. He cowers behind a giant snowball, shielding himself against Hare's tiny snowballs, and when they walk up a steep hill, Bear anxiously asks, "Home?" A fun sled ride turns Bear's trepidation to enthusiasm: "Hare and Bear love snow!" With understated humor, Gravett captures the common childhood experience of feeling less-than excited about an activity that's supposed to be fun-and how quickly those feelings can be reversed. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Good friends Bear and Hare go outside one morning and discover something marvelous-it's snowing! Hare is visibly delighted, while Bear appears hesitant but willing to give snow activities a try. Hare is skilled in each activity-for example, making some lovely snow angels. Bear's much heavier frame, however, has sunk him too deep to make a typical angel. Hare happily builds a "snow hare," while Bear becomes the corresponding "snow bear" as a heavy-laden tree branch dumps its snow on him. Finally, Hare decides they will give sledding a go. After rocketing down a hill with his friend, Bear appears to finally start enjoying himself. Like many of Gravett's books, the simple, to-the-point text could be read to a toddler, but the understated humor (at the expense of poor Bear) will elicit giggles from early elementary schoolers. The statement "They made snow prints" is comedically undermined by the image of Bear, sunk waist-deep into the snow with a look of distinct uneasiness in his eyes. The illustrations are all of Hare, Bear, and essentially the same snowy backdrop, so the focus is squarely on the characters. The contrast between the pair's facial expressions is priceless, as Hare is just so pleased with every new activity. VERDICT Sweet yet humorous; this one is sure to be a hit in winter-themed storytimes.-Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL © 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
In their second outing (Bear & Hare Go Fishing), the two buddies enjoy a snowy day--at least Hare does. Bear eventually has enough of the cold white stuff; when Hare pushes him uphill, Bear hopes they're going "Home?" They do, but not until they both have fun "SLEDDING!" Gravett's expressive illustrations add humor to the gentle story. (c) Copyright 2016. 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
Two friends have vastly different experiences in the snow. The tables have turned, and so have the seasons, since Bear and Hare Go Fishing (2015): it's winter now, and it's Hare's turn for enthusiasm. Catching snowflakes on their tongues causes Hare to smile widely, but Bear looks uncomfortable. The text says "they" make snow prints, but only Hare doesBear stands stranded, waist-deep in snow, and mournfully watches Hare waltz away, waving breezily. Snow angels? A cinch for Hare, but Bear sinks deep into the snow on his back and lies there. A snow hare is easy to make, accessorized with a scarfBear's, of course, and now he's chillybut the only snow bear is formed when snow falls from branches above and buries real Bear. Hare snickers and points. Hare's thin, elegant legs and ears make a strong visual contrast to Bear's big, orange-brown scruffiness, while the snow itself looks so soft that readers may want to jump right in, Hare's unfriendliness notwithstanding. With watercolor, pencil, and wax crayons, Gravett includes a variety of textures, from delicately discrete falling snowflakes to some snow stuck to Bear's fur that looks almost sticky. Finally Hare shoves Bear up a steep hill, and despite Bear's trepidation, he's thrilled and joyful as they slide down. Harmony and joy restored. A mischievous addition to the winter bookshelf. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
