Today's read caught my attention thanks to the friendly bear on the cover. And who doesn't enjoy a magic show? I'm curious to see how this show does and what surprises it holds. So, let's open up the book and take a look!
BEAR'S MAGIC SHOW
by Mike Wohnoutka
Candlewick Press
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 3 to 7
COMING SEPTEMBER 26th!!!
Could the third time be the charm? Bear is determined to break his string of showtime disasters in this comedy of perseverance from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning illustrator of See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog.
Bear’s track record when it comes to putting on a show hasn’t been exactly stellar. His puppet show was a flop (anyone could get tangled in those strings, right?). His baking show had some, er, unexpected developments. But Bear is confident that his magic show will be a success! Can Bear ace the tricks on his program for his eager friend Fox and pull a rabbit out of a hat, guess a card, and . . . well, there’s always the disappearing act! With a funny narrative told in bold visual jokes and simple language, this latest act from the award-winning Mike Wohnoutka will have newly confident readers lining up for an encore.
Bear’s track record when it comes to putting on a show hasn’t been exactly stellar. His puppet show was a flop (anyone could get tangled in those strings, right?). His baking show had some, er, unexpected developments. But Bear is confident that his magic show will be a success! Can Bear ace the tricks on his program for his eager friend Fox and pull a rabbit out of a hat, guess a card, and . . . well, there’s always the disappearing act! With a funny narrative told in bold visual jokes and simple language, this latest act from the award-winning Mike Wohnoutka will have newly confident readers lining up for an encore.
MY TIDBITS
Friendship beams bright even when things don't work out quite as expected.
Bear loves putting on shows, but so far, none have gone as planned. Instead, they've gone turned into disasters. But Bear isn't one to give up and decides that three is a charm. So, he gets ready to perform an amazing magic show. With his very small audience of one, his best friend Fox, Bear is ready to prove that he can put on the best show ever. But when the first trick already runs into some snags, his show might not work out quite as expected this time, either.
This is an adorable read, which lets humor flow. Bear is a character to root for as he hits the stage with enthusiasm and excitement. His attitude is golden as he takes everything in stride and doesn't let the mistakes ruin his fun or determination. Even when things go wrong, he doesn't let disappointment take control and looks forward to the next trick. It's inspiring and keeps everything light-hearted and fun. The fox cheers him on as a good friend should and never says a negative word. So, it's a good-vibe book from beginning to end.
Each moment draws smiles as readers/listeners can easily identify with the situation. Plus, each of Bear's mistakes carries a bit of silliness. It creates a quick read and is sure to hold the attention of even impatient listeners.
The end of the story comes with a clever surprise that will have more than a few listeners laughing. And the question of whether or not the magic show was a success leaves food for thought...in a way that brings smiles again and again.
And here he is...
Mike Wohnoutka has illustrated more than thirty books for young readers, including Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!”; How to Apologize; Go and Get with Rex; and the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog, all written by his good friend David LaRochelle. He is also the author-illustrator of Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions and other picture books. A native of Spicer, Minnesota, Mike Wohnoutka currently lives with his family in Minneapolis.