But the Bear Came Back

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2018

Review

A bear comes to visit a little boy but the boy tells the bear he must go home because bears do not "belong in houses." The bear leaves, but no matter how hard the boy tries, the bear returns again and again. The text of the story tells only part of the story, however the illustrations show the friendship that is forming between the two. The illustrations show the bear and the boy reading, painting, and bathing together until finally the boy shouts for the bear to go home and not come back. When the bear does not come back, the boy realizes how much he misses the bear and sets out to find him again. He forms a search party, puts out food, tacks up posters and waits. Finally the bear returns. The boy did not appreciate the bear until after he was gone sparking a great conversation about the value and boundaries of friendship. The colorful illustrations are a delight and will be enjoyed by all readers.

Overall Book Score: very good