Bob Is the Biggest, Strongest, and Smartest

In this emotionally generous picture book, burly blue bear Bob feels that he’s “the biggest, strongest, and smartest bear in the whole wide world,” something he constantly repeats to the other forest inhabitants. An image of the ursine figure reading a book upside down confirms it’s an oversell, but “because Bob did all the talking,” notes Reidy (Group Hug), no one questions him. When bespectacled mammal Bill arrives, there’s a definite vibe shift. Mixed-media cartooning by Hodgson (Once a Wasteland) shows Bill easily and authentically befriending the woodland community by asking questions, listening to and engaging with the answers, and showing curiosity about others’ perspectives (hanging upside down with a bat, he asks, “Does the blood rush to your head?”; “Yeah!” says the bat. “But you get used to it”). Suddenly sidelined, Bob dismisses him and tries to spread discord. When the two finally meet, though, and Bill shows genuine interest in the bear’s workout routines, “Bob felt good. Really good!”—and is even inspired to ask an inaugural question about someone else. The story’s tidily phrased moral (“Friends get to know friends”) lands on a truth: genuine curiosity builds connection far more powerfully than self-promotion ever could. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)