Stormy Night (Bear and Floppy)

PreS-K--Though the lightning will crash and thunder will boom, this comforting story successfully addresses the common fear of storms for a young audience. One by one, Bear comforts those closest to him, from his sweet stuffed rabbit to his parents, as the weather bangs outside. Varied vocabulary emphasizes the dramatic rush and whizz of the swirling storm. "The wind was whirring, the trees were crackling, and the rain was pounding against the windows." Taut pacing demonstrates the storm's urgency. Initially, Bear models a reassuring demeanor to those around him. "'Don't worry, ' said Bear. 'I'll hold you tight. I'll keep you warm. My love will keep you safe from the storm.'" When the weather proves too much for even this brave little bear, Mama and Papa return the favor by cuddling close to their favorite cub. Digital illustrations make use of bright colors that emphasize the sweet love of Bear's protective family, and thick black lines add a youthful energy to the warmth found within his cheerful home. This storm's impact has no lasting power against a family's love.--Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Bear and his stuffed rabbit Floppy, introduced in the emotionally nuanced Found, are dealing with a very dark and stormy night: "The wind was whirring, the trees were crackling, and the rain was pounding against the windows." Bear sings Floppy a sweet song, regaining some courage as he offers comfort. Then Mama and Papa appear, equally discombobulated by the storm (in fact, at their request, Bear's bed becomes a one-night-only family bed), and are put at ease by their loving son. How did Bear get to be so good at making other people feel better? Readers soon see that his parents were excellent role models. Yoon's bright colors and big shapes make this scary storm story feel thoroughly cozy, and readers will be tickled to see Bear adeptly comfort his panicky parents. But a sentimental tone, combined with a flashback to Bear as a baby in diapers, makes the complex hero of the first book feel more generic this time around. Ages 3-6. Agent: Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Jan.)

"This comforting story successfully addresses the common fear of storms for a young audience . . . This storm's impact has no lasting power against a family's love." —School Library Journal

"Readers will appreciate the graduating reassurances that range from self-soothing to group hugs . . . Youngsters will empathize with Bear and derive comfort from the loving togetherness his family displays while keeping the storm at bay." —Kirkus Reviews