Bug and Bear

PreS-Gr 1—This sweet tale of friendship and compromise offers nothing new, but is enjoyable nonetheless. "Bug was being annoying," the text begins. He just wants to play, but Bear is tired and wants him to go away. She meets a series of animals who inspire different ways to try to get away from him, but Bug thinks it's all a game. Finally, Bear tells him to jump into the lake and goes to bed. Feeling guilty, she discovers that he has done just that. She rescues him, apologizes, and offers to play, but Bug is now tired, so they take a nap together. The text reads smoothly, and while it is not short enough for toddlers, children will sympathize with the characters. The mixed-media illustrations are expressive and appealing. Bear is simply drawn, with small eyes and eyebrows that convey her annoyance, sorrow, and worry. Bug is less realistic, with a blobby blue body, round pop eyes, and long, curly antennae, which also show emotions effectively. The plants and flowers have an almost Art Deco look, and the mostly earth tones are soothing. Marlow uses a combination of spot art, full-bleed spreads, and single pages to convey motion and propel the action. Friendship is always a popular topic, and the final solution and acknowledgment that both characters were wrong is refreshing. A pleasant addition to most library collections.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT