FATHER BEAR COMES HOME
by Else Holmelund Minarik & illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Four episodes in the life of Little Bear, each abounding in that tender and gracious humor which distinguishes Else Minarik's hero from the usual run of teddy bears:- Little Bear embarks on a fishing trip, Little Bear gets and loses the hiccups, Little Bear welcomes Father Bear home from sea, and finally, Little Bear has an encounter with a mermaid. Maurice Sendak's mannered Victorian illustrations add a dimension of charm to the menage of animals which include a particularly beguiling owl, a cat, a duck, and of course, mama and papa bear. A simple but elegant vocabulary and a reassuring atmosphere of family tenderness make this an ideal selection for the apprentice reader.