No bear anywhere

A family takes a walk hoping to see bears but finds other treasures instead. Clad in a bear hoodie, young Bruin is desperate to see a real bear while he, his mother, and his baby sibling, Pip, are exploring the Bear Creek Trail. Along the way, Bruin finds pine cones, flowers, stones, and other bits of nature--but no bears. At least that's what he thinks. Pip notices something that Bruin and Mama don't: a bear and two cubs! The creatures are just a step behind the family on every page, carefully sneaking away objects dropped or accidentally left behind by the humans: Bruin's telescope and Pip's cup, for example. Though the family never actually has a bear encounter, readers will delight in noticing just how close they get to the animals throughout the walk. The illustrations completely sell the story, thanks to the sneaky bears, of course, but also details that adults will appreciate, such as Mama's haggard, tired appearance when she finally gets two sleepy children home. The book celebrates the little pleasures of childhood, such as the joy to be found in a sparkly rock or a prickly pine cone. And preschoolers will love the realization that they know something the characters don't. Mama and Bruin have light tan skin, while Pip has dark brown skin. Recognizes--and creates--a little childhood magic. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.