THIS IS NOT A POLAR BEAR!

What could the title character be?

This latest in the series introduces a snow-white bear who walks upright and a young human friend, pale-skinned with an orange bob. The unseen narrator emphatically sets the record straight right away: “It’s NOT a polar bear.” Then what is it? Well, it could be “a roller bear” (in the accompanying illustration, the tot and the bear skate down the sidewalk together) or “a stroller bear” (the two amble along, complete with top hats and canes) or even “a playing-the-viola bear.” Timms ramps up the goofiness, offering even more silly scenarios. Perhaps our friend is “a jiggle bear” (seated atop a mound of shaking Jell-O, the protagonists gobble up huge spoonfuls of the dessert) or “a wriggle bear” (they each squirm into a sweater) or maybe even “a trying-not-to-giggle bear.” The goggle-eyed bear and youngster traipse through many adventures on paneled pages, with a curious seagull friend popping in to different scenes to watch the folly unfold. This playful and imaginative tale encourages readers to open their minds to offbeat possibilities. If they do, they just might meet a “never-let-you-go-lar bear” (who gives the best hugs).

Amusing and lively cold-weather fun.