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Saturday, January 18, 2020

Beware! Written by Bob Raczka and illlustrated by Larry Day. Charlesbridge, Random House. 2019. $18.99 ages 4 and up


"A bear? Baaa!"

"A bee? Baaa!"

"A B - B - BEE!"

"A B - B - BEAR!"

A bee - bear war."

Bob Raczka here creates an amiable tale about a bear and a bee. The two are not destined to be friends, as their parents will attest. Bree, the bee, and Abe, the bear cub, are warned to avoid each other. It sounds like sage advice, knowing a bear's penchant for honey and a bee's ability to make a bear wish it had never approached the hive.

Bree is dancing her way from flower to flower, collecting pollen to take back to that hive. Abe is gathering bright yellow flowers from the forest floor. Both sets of parents pose stern warnings as the two find themselves in close proximity. Neither young one is fazed by the advice given. Coming face to face with the other sets a new tone. A 'bee-bear war' ensues, much to the consternation of each. Then, through tears, they acknowledge each other. A moment of sympathetic understanding sets them on a new course.

That, my friends, is a story that your little ones will want to hear more than once. The fact that five letters are all Mr. Raczka uses to tell this heartwarming tale is quite the accomplishment! Using watercolor and pen and ink, Larry Day presents readers with endearing characters whose facial expressions are shown up close and personal. Emotions change in quick time as the two encounter each other, do their best to intimidate, and finally see a way to a satisfying ending. 

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