It bears repeating

PreS-Gr 2--Polar bears and their antics are the vehicle for this beautiful counting book by two Inuit creators. Tagaq shares the story of, at first, one polar bear "stretching up to sniff the air" and adding on until there are "ten waving bears" after a day of playing, hunting, and sleeping. Pootoogook captures the bears on a spare background with a playful energy that will delight children and their caregivers as they examine the changes in shape and form of the bears making their way through the day together. There is a reference to a story time video of the author reading the book, which will add to the appreciation of both the English and Inuktitut that make up the lyrical text. VERDICT Rich language and striking illustrations take this counting book beyond the standard fare. A real treat and recommended.--John Scott

A simple counting book woven with Inuktitut language. A polar bear stretches to start the day. "Atausiq nanuq / One bear / One proud bear. / Stretching up to sniff the air. / One tall, long bear." A page turn reveals two lumbering, powerful creatures sliding down the ice. "Marruk nanuuk / Two bears / Two sliding bears. / Fur is a perfect sled. / Two slippery bears." The Inuktitut words are in a larger typeface and blue. The bears swim, hunt, and eat, gaining a new ursine friend each time. Every action is realistic except when the bears start to square dance, gathering in a circle, paws in the air--a somewhat out-of-place addition amid the deliberate and spare language. Pootoogook's textured bears are fluid and sprawling; he employs a bird's-eye view at times, looking down at the majestic, lumpy beasts as they swim and slide. After the bears complete a full day (and Tagaq counts up to 10), another reading is encouraged--hence the titular instruction. It does, in fact, bear repeating. Backmatter includes translation and pronunciation guides, as well as a URL to a video of Tagaq reading the book aloud. An intriguing, culturally responsive primer. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.