this very funny book starts with a bear and a bunny having a conversation. The bear thinks he wants something to eat starting with the letter B. They then encounter many things starting with the letter B. In the end they finally find Berries. ( )

Waking from his hibernation, a bear goes in search of breakfast, knowing that whatever it is he's craving, it begins with 'B'. Encountering a series of creatures whose names begin with that letter - a bunny, a bumblebee, a boa constrictor - the bear is continually convinced to keep looking, joined by an ever-growing coterie of helpers who want to see his hunger focused elsewhere. When he sees a boy eating berries however, and grows excited, his newfound companions think he has focused on the wrong sort of breakfast...

A sweet little book, one featuring adorable artwork and a humorous surprise ending - despite his companion's fears, the bear is focused on the berries - Bear's Big Breakfast would make for en engaging story-time selection. I had the pleasure, as it happens, of reading it with the author at a recent picture-book event, and the ending definitely elicited a chuckle! Brett Helquist's illustrations, done in acrylic and oil, are just charming - I love Bear's expressions! - and add to the fun. Recommended to anyone looking for fun story-time books featuring animals. ( )