Baby Bear’s Book of Tiny Tales

Baby Bear, first seen in 2017’s I Promise, makes a series of discoveries in this cheery collection of four stories. McPhail’s characteristically unadorned and finely lined ink-and-watercolor illustrations showcase Baby Bear’s verdant woodland home and earnest, easygoing personality. In “Baby Bear Finds a Boot,” he hooks a rubber boot while fishing and becomes determined to “give it back” to its rightful owner. In subsequent tales, Baby Bear’s “finds” offer other problem-solving opportunities. How can Baby Bear share a rare flower without picking it? Can he keep a baby bird safe after it falls out of his nest? Who will he play with when all of his friends are busy? Solutions to these challenges are all well within Baby Bear’s reach, and McPhail subtly reminds readers that they, too, are capable of accomplishing quite a bit. These simple, well-structured stories are suffused with warmth and a spirit of generosity, and the book is ideally suited to burgeoning readers who are eager to put their developing skills to the test. Ages 4–8. Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Feb.)