Vanilla writing. Sendak’s illustrations pull the book up several notches.

Little Bear's Friend is a sweet, smart read about young animals, Little Bear, Owl, Cat, Duck, Hen and and one young girl, Emily socializing.

To the early reader they demonstrate how respect, conversation and sympathy are positive ways to participate in friendships. At the end the book gently touches on the benefit of going to school. Learning to write can help when someone misses a friend.

I especially liked the way this book started. Little Bear is up in a tree; he's seeing and feeling his little neck of the woods, which is his whole world for now.

Hope my grandsons will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Little Bear meets a friend, helps Duck, goes to a party at Owl's, and receives a letter.

Four easy chapter stories about Baby Bear and his adventures.

ToC
Little Bear and Emily
Duck, Baby Sitter
The Party at Owl's House
"Your Friend, Little Bear"

In this set of four stories, Little Bear makes a new friend (and no, Mother Bear, it isn't a little green worm - it's Emily!). Sweet and timeless, paired with Sendak's charming illustrations. ( )