"Who searches for new shoots
of the fast-growing bamboo?
Bold moon bear,
munching near the red panda."
In a question and answer format, Brenda Guiberson offers up much information about the elusive and rare moon bear. In her inimitable way she gathers tidbits about the habits and behaviors and shares them in a gentle way, so that even your youngest listeners will sit to learn about these beautiful creatures.
Our first peek shows a sleepy bear rousing from hibernation. Food is her incentive to awaken, mark her territory and begin her search for sap, bamboo, ants, berries and even marmots, those foods that will sustain her as she prepares for another long winter fast.
She spends the summer foraging, travelling and preparing for the cold season to come; then, in the warmth and joy of spring, she presents a surprise for all to see.
Once again, this fine author has done her research and uses what she has learned to create a thoughtful and factual story that will inform her readers and capture their attention. In a note at the end of the book, she tells of her concern for the future of these bears, showing a number of pictures of bears that have been rescued and are being cared for in sanctuaries in Asia. She includes a website for further study.
Using patterned papers and photographs Ed Young has created lovely double page spreads that enclose the text, boast bold reds, golds and purples and give a feeling for the regal nature of these diligent foragers and endangered beauties.
This is a stunning readaloud for small groups of early learners.
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