cover image Hi Bears, Bye Bears

Hi Bears, Bye Bears

Niki Yektai. Orchard Books (NY), $12.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-531-05858-9

Apparent subscribers to the adage, ``If it ain't broke, don't fix it,'' Yektai and deGroat employ the same winning formula here--a singsong rhyme scheme and more multicolored, costumed bears--as in their earlier Bears in Pairs . Though some might question the need for still more of these busy bruins, the results in this companion volume are again amusing, and the illustrations even add a few au courant touches--a ``slim bear'' in leotard and sweat band is strenuously aerobicising; a ``good bear'' is shown practicing kindness to animals, while a smirking ``bad bear'' is pulling a poor kitty's tail. A variety of activities are represented, as well, from a balletomane ``bear on toes'' to a ``bear with board,'' a surfing enthusiast in lime-green tank top and groovy sunglasses. The prospect of a third book from these successful collaborators might even be bear-able. Ages 3-6. (Aug.)