Patrick in a Teddy Bear's Picnic and Other Stories

K-Gr 2—This graphic presentation has short sentences, repetition, minimal characters, and one to four panels per page. Colored-pencil and pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations provide a detailed look at the bears' world-from the mirrored reflection in their tiny cottage to tiny creatures along garden paths. Figures and objects spill over cell borders without restriction onto the page. The title story follows Patrick and his mother as they plan and prepare for a picnic. The cub's actions are typically those of a young child—he is curious, imaginative, easily pleased or disappointed, and adventurous. Emotions are clearly read on faces: readers can see Patrick as he is stubborn or joyful, but his mother's face occasionally shows frustration and anger, not understanding. This collection also includes a bully, Big Bear, who pops Patrick's balloon in one story and demands his cookies in another. Patrick finally stands up to him and calls forth his inner "dragon" for courage, but resorts to name-calling after the confrontation. Speech bubbles and easily followed illustration prompts remain good teaching tools for emerging readers, but this title also calls for discussion of how Patrick handles his own feelings and actions. A general purchase for most libraries.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX