Bear's Birthday

by Stella Blackstone, Debbie Harter (Illustrator), Henry Strozier (Narrated by)

Overview

"The busy scenes with bright geometrics and patterns promise many fun readings" — School Library Journal

Who's popping the balloons at Bear's party? With its simple story and colorful, high-contrast illustrations, Bear's Birthday offers a fun way for little ones to practice counting down from 10 to 1 and to build early literacy skills. A charming entry to the beloved Bear series that has delighted children for 20 years. Includes QR code access to audiobook narrated by Henry Strozier.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846865169
Publisher:	Barefoot Books
Publication date:	06/01/2011
Series:	Bear
Pages:	24
Sales rank:	176,410
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 6.40(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	2 - 6 Years

About the Author

Award-winning author Stella Blackstone has written many of Barefoot's best-selling titles, including the Bear series and the Cleo the Cat series. She has been writing for children for over twenty years. Stella lives in Somerset, UK.

Debbie Harter has illustrated over 20 books for Barefoot, including the beloved Bear series. As a child, Debbie would "lose herself in books (as long as they had pictures)" and hopes to continue doing so until she's very old. She lives in Cornwall, England.

Henry Strozier is a film and Broadway actor and television narrator. He has worked with Discovery Channel, PBS and National Geographic among others. In 2016, he won an Audie award for his narration work and is a two-time Emmy nominee. Henry has narrated over 100 books.

Editorial Reviews

In Bear's eighth tale, the butterscotch colored ursine welcomes his friends to his birthday party. The pudgy bears play hide-and-seek in Bear's jewel-toned house and hunt for treasure outside before Bear opens his gifts, which include "delicious jam and honey: Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, cherry." No naysayers or jealous siblings spoil the party: Bear and friends' lumbering good natures will have readers looking forward to their own celebrations. Ages 2–6. (June)

Publishers Weekly

PreS—Blackstone combines a rhyming counting book and a birthday celebration. Harter's familiar cartoon bear and buddies party with gifts, musical chairs, hide-and-seek, a treasure hunt, and a variety of treats. Readers are given the task of counting the number of balloons as designated in a square at the bottom right corner of each spread. The final spread shows a balloon countdown from 10 to one, assisted by Bear's black-and-white-striped cat. The busy scenes with bright geometrics and patterns promise many fun readings.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

School Library Journal

Sweeter than honey, there's no drama in sight at Bear's birthday bash.

Blackstone's familiar character returns with nine of his closest fellow bears to celebrate his specialoccasion. The earnest voice gushes in its enthusiasm as his guests arrive. "Bear opens the door to welcome his friends / He's hoping his day of fun never ends." Similar in stature, his company, shaded in smoky grays, chestnut browns and golden tans, follows an expected agenda; all play hide-and-seek and hunt for treasure until the host opens presents. The highly anticipated cake tantalizes through its whimsical design; striped candles echo the familiar cat's appearance. Rhyming pairings at times leave behind a jarring residue. "It's full of delicious jam and honey / Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, cherry." Paint, pen-and-ink and crayon patterned patches extend to compact boundaries. Bright balloons bob within busy scenes, from Bear's initial decorating to a final participatory activity.

Seasoned series fans may enjoy Bear in the spotlight, but the uninspiring narrative delivers no favors. (Board book. 2-4)

Kirkus Reviews