Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A story of parental love and nurturing in a nontraditional family. Bear discovers three abandoned eggs by a pond and, with the help of his friend Hedgehog, watches over and raises the young goslings that hatch from them. However, it is Hedgehog who advises him on the practical matters of feeding the geese, teaching them to swim, and, most importantly, to fly. It is also Hedgehog who understands Bear's sadness when the geese fly away, and he presents him with a new set of youngsters to shepherd along. The lyrical text is reassuring. The well-composed illustrations are warm and calming, yet detailed enough to include specific bugs, flowers, and other woodland creatures on each page. Bear's contentment, bewilderment, and joy are visible in every picture. Children will enjoy Bear's missteps as well as his successes. The Schuberts have created a book full of love that children and parents will turn to again and again.-Susan Marie Pitard, Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.