BIG BEAR AND LITTLE BEAR GO FISHING
by Amy Hest ; illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Quiet contentment is the name of the game in this gentle tale of fish and scones.
Big Bear wants to go fishing, and so does Little Bear. They dress for the occasion, but are they ready? “Almost.” They need poles (“Almost”), then snacks (“Almost”), then a big green book of stories. Ready at last, they get into their rowboat and wait, but nothing’s biting. Scones are noshed. Stories are read. And at last, one big fish does swim around them for a while before leaving. Then it’s time to go home and nap together on the big hammock. With prodigious skill, Hest employs the quiet repetitions that make reading a book aloud a joy. “Poles, says Big Bear. Fishermen need poles. Oh yes, says Little Bear. Poles.” “Scones, says Big Bear. Fishermen need nice, warm blueberry scones. Oh yes, says Little Bear. Scones.” Stead, meanwhile, makes great use of vast white spaces, filling them with bees, clouds, and two bears with great affection for one another. Their love is evident as Big Bear holds Little Bear closely after the cub takes a flying leap into the boat. This tale has all the hallmarks of a family classic.
A loving look at failing at fishing in the best possible way.
(Picture book. 3-6)