From
School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-In this appealing follow-up to Bear Snores On (S & S,
2002), it is spring, Bear is awake, and he is hungry. Several of his
animal friends take him to places where he can get food, "But the bear
wants more!" Finally, he heads home, where others have organized a party
for him, but he has eaten so much that he gets stuck in his own doorway.
After being pried out, he eats more and falls asleep, but now "his
friends want more!" The rollicking, rhyming text flows smoothly, and the
repeated refrain will have youngsters chiming right in. The acrylic
illustrations are brightly colored, and the creatures, although they are
sweetly appealing and use tools, look distinctly like wild animals; the
details are wonderful. The layout alternates between full-bleed spreads
and single-page pictures, some of which are also full bleed, while
others are in a circle. This format works well to move the story along,
and encourages page turns. This simple, gentle story, with its short
text, large graphics, and reference to hibernation, will work well in
storytimes for young preschoolers, and will fill teachers' demands for
seasonal tales. Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Book
Bear finds some roots to eat, but that's not enough. He wants more! With
his friends' help, he finds some berries, clover, and fish to eat, but
that's not enough. Bear wants more!
From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. What happens after a bear breaks the fast of hibernation? In
this rhyming follow-up to Bear Snores On (2002), Bear emerges as a lean,
mean, eating machine. His animal friends help him find food, and he
munches his way through the forest. As his grub crawl proceeds, both the
words of the refrain ("But the bear wants more!") and Bear himself
increase in size. Other friends busily plan a party for Bear back at his
lair. Later all the friends must work together to pry the overfed, very
stuck Bear from the entrance to his den.
The story is fun and funny, but it takes a backseat to the illustrations. Chapman's acrylic paintings have a freshly washed look that conveys the newness of spring, and they are layered with delightful comic touches--Bear's increasing girth, his friends' bemused expressions, and the flower crown he wears at his picnic, after which he falls asleep. Now Bear is "full, full, full . . . but . . . his friends want more." An appealing romp about springtime and friendship. Connie Fletcher Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
From Kirkus Reviews
Bear's ravenous appetite is the focus of this rollicking follow-up to
Wilson's Bear Snores On (2001). Upon awakening from his winter siesta,
Bear is beset by a voracious hunger. Although his woodland friends
attempt to assuage the bruin's cravings, Mouse's offering of berries,
Hare's clover, and Badger's catch of the day do little to quiet the
grumbling of the behemoth's belly. While Bear is out foraging, the rest
of his friends prepare a feast fit for a famished friend of epic
proportions. Wilson's cheerfully irreverent tale pays homage to another
hungry bear, known for his penchant for honey, in a tongue-in-cheek
scene where the formerly svelte Bear can no longer fit through his den's
opening to reach the tantalizing meal inside.
Satiated at last by his friend's bountiful springtime picnic, the satisfied Bear soon drifts off to sleep. Wilson's use of the repetitive refrain "Bear wants more" teases readers' appetites for more-of the story-neatly building the anticipation for the tale's surprise ending. The sing-song rhythm of the rhyming couplets lends sprightliness to the ebullient tale. Chapman's acrylic paintings sparkle with the freshness of the vernal season; vibrant, varying shades of greens drench the pages in a riot of blossoming hues. Bear is rendered as appealing as ever; this lovable lump of soft brown fur is as cozy and comforting as a well-loved teddy. Fans will enjoy the fun of revisiting with this convivial pack of forest friends. (Picture book. 3-7)
About the Author
Karma Wilson's previous picture books include Bear Snores On, Bear Wants
More, Bear Stays Up for Christmas, and Mortimer's Christmas Manger, all
illustrated by Jane Chapman, One Day in the Middle of the Bog,
illustrated by Joan Rankin, and Hilda Must Be Dancing and Bear Hugs
illustrated by Suzanne Watts. She lives with her family in Fortine,
Montana. For more, see
Karma Wilson's
website.
About the Illustrator
Jane Chapman is the illustrator of several books for children including
Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman and I Love My Mama by Peter Kavanagh,
as well as Karma Wilson's Bear Snores On, Bear Wants More, Bear Stays Up
for Christmas, and Mortimer's Christmas Manger. She lives with her
family in Dorset, England. Please be sure to visit
Jane's website.