Not an alphabet book The case of the missing cake

Bear had planned to walk readers through "a simple alphabet book." But this admirable intention is put aside as he instead searches for the nefarious thief who has disappeared the "completely delicious, tongue-jinglingly chocolaty cake" that previously accompanied the letter C. It is evident from the brown smudges on his face and some very cagey behavior that McLaughlin's (The Hug) narrator is both unreliable and unrepentant, but Bear brazenly plows ahead, and digital vignettes by Boutavant (the Ariol series), set against white backgrounds in the style of a midcentury primer, make the melodramatic interrogations of other alphabet representatives all the funnier ("You've got a history of stealing sweet treats, Mr. Fox. How do you plead?"). Some readers may be momentarily upset that Bear is able to mobilize another against innocent Pig, who is banished to the dreaded page 27--an ice floe on which xylophone music is played nonstop. Justice finally does prevail, however, just not until those reading aloud have had the opportunity to assume a variety of modes, from high anxiety ("I have a wife! I have a family!") to not-so-righteous indignation. Ages 2--5. (Aug.)

Bear frantically and very dramatically searches for a thief who has stolen the delicious chocolate cake. Bear is distraught that the cake, which was supposed to appear on Page 5 of his simple alphabet book, has disappeared. Bear pleads directly with readers for help in finding the thief somewhere within the book. The furry protagonist then questions suspects, barreling through the alphabet letter by letter. Even inanimate objects draw suspicion, for it's possible that the helicopter or the kite might have helped the culprit escape. Bear continues to blame everyone and everything he encounters, but most have strong alibis and witnesses. Finally he fingers Pig as his prime suspect, punishing him severely. But Octopus, Robot, and Walrus are skeptical and have noticed some anomalies. Sharp-eyed young readers will take note as well, for there are clues in plain sight from which Bear tries to divert attention. There's the empty plate on his own page, dark stains around his mouth, and several pauses for ice cream and yogurt. When confronted, he denies knowledge or tries to silence his accusers. But he is truly caught. However, his punishment actually delights him, for he must bake a new cake. Boutavant's bright, large-scale illustrations are filled with delightful details, and Bear's overwrought reactions are positively loony. This is a perfect vehicle for reading aloud or reading together over and over, with lots of opportunities for highly expressive emoting and giggles galore. Goofy, hilarious, laugh-out-loud fun for all. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.