BookSprouting Review: Can You See a Little Bear? By James Mayhew

Can You See a Little Bear? by James Mayhew

Illustrated by Jackie Morris

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover, 32 Pages

Published: September 2005

Estimated price: $16.95 USD

I am enraptured by the charm of the illustrations in Can You See a Little Bear? by James Mayfew. I know it’s easy to steal the show as an illustrator in books designed for very young children, but honestly, I could stare at these illustrations for hours just appreciating the colors and the fun details. The fantastical illustrations depict a carnivalesque/gypsy-like animal procession accompanied by minstrels and dancers. I know if I were still a child, I would have loved the thought of being able to ride a lion, or a polar bear, or even a dolphin! Inviting interaction, the reader is asked to find the cute polar bear baby on each page. My only concern is that younger children might be overwhelmed by the busyness of the artwork and therefore not be able to truly appreciate the fun. The text is made of simple rhyme, using basic adjectives to describe the colourful and exotic animals. Although the story doesn’t have a real purpose or a profound moral, it’s still a delightful book. After all, who goes to the carnival for morals? It’s purely a time for fun and whimsy!

BookSprouting Review: A Good Day by Kevin Henkes

A Good Day by Kevin Henkes

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

Hardcover, 32 Pages

Published: February 2007

Estimated price: $16.99 USD

From my experience, the range of books for preschoolers and below is quite limited. It’s as if authors and publishers alike do not think toddlers can handle anything above the simplest of ABC books. Luckily there is a book like A Good Day by Kevin Henkes. This delightful story has all the elements of a preschooler book such as cheerful, bright illustrations accompanied by large and simple text, but the story is a little more complex than a book that identifies a girl and monkey doing little more than say, ‘look at me!’ (I kid you not—I found this silly book). A Good Day is about how a different point of view can completely transform a bad day into a good one. It teaches us that no matter how sad or helpless we may feel about a certain hiccup in our lives, with a little love, luck and persistence, anything is possible!

5 out of 5 sprouts