Cooking with Bear: A Story and Recipes from the Forest

“Forest food” might bring to mind grubs and leaves, but readers are in for a pleasant surprise in this follow-up to Bear’s Winter Party. After hibernating, hungry Bear wonders whether Fox and other friends—all rendered in thick, markerlike outlines and colored with light splashes of paint—have eaten. He searches for ingredients in his forest glen, visits his pals, and prepares a feast. Readers can try each of Bear’s 15 recipes, which are intermingled with the story and feature herbs, fruits, greens, nuts, and seeds (along with some store-bought items). The recipes include a salad with greens and honey vinaigrette, blueberry muffins, and chocolate chip cookies with hazelnuts. While urging readers to seek adult help when cooking (and perhaps while foraging for ingredients), Hodge promotes cooking with fresh foods and gently urges readers to, like Fox, “try something new.” Ages 4–7. [em](Apr.) [/em]