Baby Bear Counts One (Baby Bear)

Brimming with visual treasures and ending with snowflakes—“too many to count”—this joyous treat will reward both family and group sharing.

Wolff’s art (hand-colored linoleum blocks) is glorious, capturing the withered cornstalks, brown leaves, and fallen apples of late autumn while also conveying the busyness and vibrancy of the season...the loving bond between Baby Bear and his mama is as secure and comforting as ever, with the cozy ending seeing the two curled up together in their den as the first snowflakes of winter fall, “too many to count.”

As with the first book, Wolff gently introduces the natural world and seasons to toddlers, who will find plenty to explore in the double-page spreads, as frogs leap into ponds, and birds perch in tree branches. The linoleum block illustrations, hand colored with watercolor, present fall in all its spectacular glory, and the warmth between Mama and her child shines through.

Wolff follows Baby Bear Sees Blue with a counting-themed sequel built around tender mother-child exchanges. Winter is approaching, but Baby Bear still has curiosities that need to be satisfied, especially with so many strange noises around him. A "Whap! Whap! Whap!" signals three beavers "gathering twigs before winter comes" and "gobble" sounds belong to six gloriously feathered turkeys seen feasting on bunches of deep purple grapes. Wolff devotes two spreads to nearly every number, creating a leisurely pace and giving children and parents time to count the creatures while examining the many secondary details packed into each woodland scene. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS--First seen in Baby Bear Sees Blue (S & S, 2012), the curious cub returns in this fall-themed counting book. Mama Bear gently answers Baby Bear's questions about who is making a noise as he counts different animals gathering food, migrating, or dashing through the woods and fields in preparation for winter. Each spread includes onomatopoeic words to suggest the animal to both children and the bear. Wolff's stunning linoleum block and watercolor illustrations are suffused with autumn light and color, and the creatures appear to swim, fly, and jump off the pages. Extreme close-ups are juxtaposed with larger framing illustrations that celebrate the season, the creatures portrayed, and the playful bear. Successful as a counting book, an autumnal celebration, and a cozy book to share either one-on-one or in a group, this title will be warmly welcomed in all libraries.--Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.