Bear for a Day

In a classroom presentation turned picture book from Tabor (Cranky, Crabby Crow), one creative storyteller—a pale-skinned student ID’d by their notebook as “Corey Tabor”—delivers a subversively comedic report on living for one day as a bear. Rather than offering facts pertaining to the natural world, though, the presenter narrates a surprisingly human-like day-in-the-life—the furry brown mammal wears pajamas and clothes, and brushes teeth for “one hundred and twenty Mississippis”—while incorporating fanciful elements such as the bear’s befriending a troublemaking mouse. Classmates interject with incredulous protests: “Bears don’t wear clothes!” But the undaunted child persists in describing an increasingly elaborate day featuring motorcycle rides, lunch at a panda-run mall restaurant, the appearance of a suit-wearing elephant, and a dramatic hot air balloon rescue. Digitally finished ursine’s-eye view artwork depicts each scenario with instructional seriousness throughout panels rendered in the creator’s signature style. And a deadpan delivery gradually transforms the skeptical spectators into enthusiastic participants; at report’s end, they demand more details, then beg for an encore “with more elephants!” It’s a read for every kid who’s turned homework into performance art—and the audience that cheers them on. Ages 4–8. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (May)