Bear Says Thanks (Bear Books)

Told in rhymed verse, the text reads aloud smoothly. As the animals arrive with their edible gifts, a repeated line, 'and the bear says thanks' gives children a chance to participate in the story. The book's large format allows plenty of space for the illustrations, and Chapman's lively acrylic paintings make the most of it. Even preschoolers new to the series will be charmed by this big, gentle bear and his generous woodland friends.—Booklist