First Star: A Bear and Mole Story (Bear and Mole Stories)

by Will Hillenbrand (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

Best friends Bear and Mole can't wait to go camping and sleep under the stars--but Mole worries, what if they get lost in the dark?

Rolling up sleeping bags, picking fresh berries, and climb-climb-climbing, the two buddies are having a great time hiking to Camp Tiptop. They especially can't wait to watch the sunset. But Mole soon realizes that when the sun goes down. . .it will be dark. What if they get lost?

Seeing Mole nervous, Bear decides to tell his friend the legend of a special star--the First Star--that will always help them find their way. Featuring the popular characters and cozy illustrations of Will Hillenbrand's earlier Bear and Mole books, First Star is a perfect bedtime book, an ode to friendship, and a gentle reminder that no matter how dark it gets, your loved ones will always help you find your way.

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Kirkus

A calming, nighttime addition to this adored duo’s series. 

School Library Journal

PreS-K--When Mole wants to see the stars, Bear suggests they go camping. Once there, Mole becomes scared of the approaching night. Bear, always encouraging and brave, tells Mole about the First Star, better known as the North Star. Throughout the text, repetitive words are set in caps. In shades of blue, purple, and black, the First Bear family look on in fear as it becomes dark out. Mole and Bear watch from the corner of the pages as First Father Bear, First Mother Bear, and First Little Bear create the moon and the stars. All the facial expressions relax as they are lit by the gentle white light of the sky and Mole's lantern. On a full vertical spread, First Father Bear pushes "HARD, HARD, HARD" to affix the North Star that will never move. At the end, the illustrations are still in dark hues, but the stars, body language of the characters, and dialogue make the story playful and lovely. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the book's message to children afraid of the dark. This is a gentle alternative to mythological creation stories and scientific explanations. VERDICT Another empowering message for fans of Bear and Mole that is perfect for bedtime and small group sharing.--Elissa Cooper, Helen Plum Memorial Library, Lombard, IL

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

Unlikely best friends Bear and Mole--childlike and adorably dressed in patchy overalls--climb to Camp Tiptop to "see the stars turn on." Through their caring, clear communication, Hillenbrand conveys the distinctive dynamics of the pair's relationship. Once they sets up camp, Mole becomes anxious about the dark, so Bear tells him a legend of the "First Star," with dreamlike, successive spreads showing "First Father Bear," "First Mother Bear," and "First Baby Bear" shaping the moon and stars from clay to light the dark night. Hillenbrand's artwork exudes warmth--even as night falls and Bear and Mole are surrounded by deep, indigo blue. Hillenbrand offers a tender depiction of two friends on an adventure that is almost--but not quite--scary with a story within a story that will stir readers' imaginations. Ages 3-6. (May)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

First Star is a beautiful celebration of friendship, storytelling and the magic of a starry night.—Shelf Awareness

A calming, nighttime addition to this adored duo's series.—Kirkus Reviews

Hillenbrand offers a tender depiction of two friends on an adventure that is almost—but not quite—scary with a story within a story that will stir readers' imaginations.—Publishers Weekly

Playful and lovely. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the book's message to children afraid of the dark.—School Library Journal
Will Hillenbrand
Will Hillenbrand has written and illustrated a wide range of picture books for children, including the popular Bear and Mole series. Spring Is Here won the Please Touch Museum Book Award. What a Treasure! a Pennsylvania One Book, was written with his spouse Jane Hillenbrand. Will lives in Ohio, and is the Illustrator and Author in Residence at Kent State University. Find him on the web at www.willhillenbrand.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780823446711
Lexile Measure
460
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Holiday House
Publication date
June 09, 2020
Series
Bear and Mole Stories
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV029000 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | General
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV002160 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Mammals
JUV032170 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Camping & Outdoor Activities
Library of Congress categories
Bears
Camping
Moles (Animals)
Stars

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