"It's a problem when you want a ripe purple
plum, too, but you're scared to climb.
"What if it rains, and I grip and slip
and scratch my paws?" you ask.
"Sometimes we slip and scratch our
paws," your mama says, munching
juicy, ripe purple fruit.
"It's okay.""
Two bears; one (mama) is in the plum tree, and one (baby) is on the ground afraid to go where his mama is. It is a problem. The baby wants so badly to be where she is, and eating a plum as she is. The baby looks with both longing and the fear of falling. Mama reassures, telling her little one that it might happen. It sometimes does. It will be okay.
Climbing is scary when it's the first time. Mama encourages the climb as she continues munching on her plum. Baby climbs, hangs on the nearest branch, and worries that the wind might mean a wobble and a bump. Mama says it can happen, but all will be okay. Baby gets closer, lying on a limb with eyes only for the plum at its end. Can it be reached without falling?
No, it cannot. The limb breaks, sending Baby on a tumble to the ground ... which happens sometimes. It turns out that it is okay! Tasting the plum that also took the plunge is tasty enough for the little one to try again. The second attempt is quicker and much more successful. This mama knows that parents cannot, and should not, be the perpetual protector of their little ones. Sometimes, they have to learn for themselves what they can do!
The gouache and colored pencil artwork, created in soft colors, fully complements the book's emotions and action. It is evident that the little one is anxious but willing to find the way, with encouragement from a loving parent. Bravo!
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