Review by Horn Book Review
Black Bear is lonely and sets out into the forest to find a friend. When he runs into Brown Bear, also in search of a pal, they join forces. They look everywhere, but "it was difficult to find a friend." They decide to practice their observation skills by playing hide-and-seek, enjoying themselves and the game immensely. But then Brown Bear hides so well that Black Bear can't find him, and he worries that he has lost Brown Bear forever. When the two are reunited, they finally realize that they have found a friend in each other and set off together happily, paw in paw. Horacek's mixed-media illustrations in rich forest-y colors bring out the bears' sweet, naive personalities and capture their varying emotions as the day unfolds. Young readers will of course catch on long before the protagonists do that the extended friend-search is unnecessary, but that superior knowledge (and the bears' cluelessness) is part of the story's appeal. Martha V. ParravanoJuly/August 2024 p.100 (c) Copyright 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 bears set out in search of friendship. "Finding a friend is not easy," but Black Bear is up for the challenge. As he makes his way through the woods, he meets Brown Bear, who's also seeking a pal. The two decide to work together, combing through the forest to find a buddy and pausing for a game of hide-and-seek. Along the way, they realize that their search is easier because they're together, and in the end, they discover they've found a friend in each other. Horáček's signature illustration style is on display in this sweet story, featuring elements such as the heavily textured fur of the bears and the richly colored forest. The two bears are an irresistible pair; they're each initially oblivious to the prospect of friendship when they meet yet are open and willing to find it. Attentive readers and listeners may even find it silly that both bears look elsewhere instead of at each other in their search for a companion. The book offers a lovely show of kindness as the bears actively display the hallmarks of good friendship: supporting one another, lightening a heavy load, and sharing excitement. A sweetly funny tale of burgeoning friendship. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
