The Bear's Sea Escape
By Joanna H. Kraus,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Detailed art is best part of lost-cub fantasy adventure.
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What's the Story?
In the midst of a city winter snowstorm, Papa Bear and Little Bear rush to find a place to hibernate. Inside an elaborate department store, they think they've found it. But a boy happily goes off with Little Bear thinking he's a toy. When Papa Bear wakes, he frantically searches the the city, the train station, a cruise ship, and a jungle. Finally, the two are reunited.
Is It Any Good?
In THE BEAR'S SEA ESCAPE Benjamin Chaud's inimitable illustrations are fanciful and extraordinarily rich in detail. However, the the content is not as smoothly plotted nor the text as smoothly written as in The Bear's Song. Nor does it have the same sweet appeal. Although the message of affection between the two bears is clear, and it's obviously a fantasy, questions are raised that strain credibility. How does a boy walk off with a live bear in a busy department store and confuse it with a toy? How can Papa Bear swim in the sea underwater? Although Little Bear presumably wants a place to hibernate, he also pursues an international adventure without a thought for his worried Papa until he finally summons him with a tune.
While the story is not as well done as is The Bear's Song, the illustrations are equally vibrant and delightful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why animal characters are often used in picture books. Why do animals have so much appeal in media for young audiences?
Is Little Bear lost or having an incredible adventure? What makes him finally trumpet a tune that will help Papa Bear find him?
Have you ever wanted to go on a fantastic adventure like Little Bear? Where would you go and how would you travel?
Book Details
- Author: Benjamin Chaud
- Illustrator: Benjamin Chaud
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chronicle Books
- Publication date: August 5, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 5
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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