I was going to use this book for preschool storytime, because the illustrations are so captivating. However, after reading the story, I decided not to use it. The way Baby Bear and the other animals speak to each other is a bit syrupy sweet, and seemed unnatural (i.e. calling each other "dear -insert animal name here-"). I was very disappointed at the end, when lost little Baby Bear found his way home, but there no other bears there waiting for him to return. Baby Bear is a very encouraging story with beautiful illustrations. Kadir Nelson did a fantastic job on this book. The story of a lost baby bear is something that children can think about. The baby bear is the same age as the children that will be reading this book. I think that the story is a very good one. It gets more and more hopefully with each new animal that baby bear meets. The story can instill courage in anyone that reads it. Nelson created both the story and the illustrations. I think that illustrations were wonderfully done. I think that if this book wins the caldecott award then the illustrations are going to be a big factor. I think that they helped the story very much. I also think that this will win the award or could win the award because the story is something we haven't seen for a while. It is also different from most books in which the many character is lost and trying to find their way back home. This is different because with each new character baby bear encounters and they give him more ways to think about home and focus on where he is. Each new character helps him in their own way but makes baby bear find his own way home but with ideas about how to find it. He is not completely alone but this is something that he needs to do for himself until he meets the salmon. I think that this book could win the caldecott award not only for its story line but also because the illustrations are fantastic.
I don't think Kadir Nelson can do anything wrong. He has created another remarkable picture book.
—mare
Beautiful book - what more can I say? Illustrations are amazing!
—Sidney
Good lap book for preschool level.m
—Anu
Striking use of light and texture.
—kavisindhuja
Beautiful illustrations
—missconstrues
