I love being introduced to wonderful authors that I wasn't previously aware of. Not long ago I read a couple of Epinions by mariahan of books by Karma Wilson and decided to check out several of them. The first one that I read to my daycare group was Bear Wants More.


The Story

This is the story of a bear that was very hungry after hibernating. He sets out to find nourishment.

He nibbles on his lawn till the last blade is gone.
But
The bear
Wants more!

He goes to the strawberry vale with mouse and to the clover patch with hare, trying to get full, but he always wants more.

Badger points out that there are fish in the pond, ready for eating but even that doesn’t fill up old bear.

Meanwhile, back at his cave more of his forest friends are putting together a surprise party with honey cakes and decorations. Bear enjoys his surprise and finally gets full, but is also surprised to find he no longer fits through his cave door.


The Illustrations

The acrylic paint illustrations in this book are so vibrant and beautiful. Lots of green for the rolling hills and grasses and of course the brown bear is so eye appealing. He is big and furry and the artwork really makes me feel as if he is soft to the touch. All of the animals in the forest are depicted to look as they actually would, but they have a bit more personality and the use of facial expressions make them feel friendly and safe.

The text is a very large black font that is very easily seen on each page and is easy to hold up and read to a group of children.


My Feelings

This is a wonderfully captivating book and my daycare children really enjoyed hearing the story of Bear. They loved repeating the words But the bear wants more!” that is used several times throughout the story. They enjoyed that part so much that all during lunch they kept repeating it.

I liked how this book showed the animals working together and helping Bear to find the food he needed for nourishment after sleeping so long. Each animal did their part in bringing him to things he would like. I use the word cooperation a lot with my daycare children and was pleased that this book pointed out many good examples of this.

I absolutely loved the illustrations in this book. They were done with a flowing stroke that made them look almost 3-D in a way…they just seem to have a depth to them. The colors are wonderful and make me feel as if it is a cheery Spring day. All of the animals have very expressive faces and yet maintain the look of a wild animal. Bear looks so cuddly that he makes you want to pick him up and hold him. Very appealing to children and to the adults who love them.


Nuts & Bolts

Bear Wants More was written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. The two also wrote and illustrated Bear Snores On, Bear Stays Up for Christmas and Mortimer’s Manger.

This Simon & Schuster Children’s published hardcover book is 40 pages of fun and interesting reading and is great for 3 – 7 year olds.

The jacket price is $16.95 US and $26.50 CAN

ISBN: 0-689-84509-X


Recommended: Yes