Williams, Karen Lynn. Bear Helps the Forest (Maybe You Help, Too). Andrẻs Landazảbal, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-62354-161-3. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
A bear cub loves to play in the autumn leaves, until it is time for hibernation. When he wakes, he can’t find the fallen leaves. His mother indicates the leaves are gone for a while, using the repeated phrase “the forest did its work.” In this circular tale with onomatopoeia, the story ends with the cub playing in newly fallen leaves. With deeply-colored watercolors, the bears have cartoon-like facial expressions but the other animals and forest setting look fairly realistic. This story about the four seasons ends with an author’s note on a tree’s life cycle and what humans can do to help the forests.
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool