How to Talk Like a Bear

December 1, 2022
Communication is always the key. A brown bear in a striped shirt, black pants, and green shoes is here to help turn readers into better communicators. How? By teaching them how to talk like a bear. The audience, represented by a blue speech bubble, interacts with their new bear friend by repeating a few common lines like "ROAR!" and "GRRR!!!" Pronunciation is important, however. For example, when readers think they have roared, "Give me your ice cream sundaes, humans," they have in fact said, "Go get a haircut." The intricacies of language, right? It's plot points like these that will have readers giggling with delight as they roar at varying volumes--each roar resulting in snappy comebacks from the bear. It's a book designed for reading aloud to large groups, and the illustrations support the text perfectly with reaction shots that will remain humorous even after several reads. The ending, which will remind young bears-in-training that they won't always get their own way, is a lighthearted return to reality. And while the story will shine brightest when read with groups, the ending makes it equally appropriate for an evening read before starting a pre-bedtime ritual. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A laugh-out-loud take on the challenges of making ourselves understood. (Picture book. 4-6)

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