"I don't like this color.
I like that color.
HOT! HOT! LAVA!
I need to sneeze."
I missed telling you about this book in the fall. Sorry about that, but I know you will be happy to take a peek at it. Add it to your 'seasons' basket, and it will be there for you when autumn rolls around once more. Or, read it anytime; it's a terrific read aloud.
Peter Reynolds (the dot, ish, The Word Collector, Our Table) once described great children's books as 'wisdom dipped in words and art'. Those words seem meant for this new book by Matt Phelan. Though the text is spare, it tells a fun story that involves an adult bear and seven cubs. The title page begins the tale with the older bear, warm coffee in hand, looking out the window at the brilliance of a fall day.
Not wanting the cubs to miss the joys of time spent outside on such a day, the bear offers a bit of advice: "Sweaters on!" The pajama-clad little ones disappear, and the wait begins. When the noises become suspicious, the bear heads upstairs to find a bit of a mess. Order is restored. Chaos ensues again. Of course, there are issues - wrong color, too hot, allergies, and unraveling. Finally they are ready, if not willing.
The sun has set, the world is dark. Disappointed? Not at all. There are wonders to be found in the nighttime air and sky! Once inside again, the sweaters come off.
"Pajamas on!"
The pencil, ink and watercolor artwork is full of humor, character, and expression. Small vignettes awaken curiosity and capture full attention. This is a book that young readers will want to read on their own in their own time, allowing close attention to every scene.
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