“I HAVE A LITTLE PROBLEM,” SAID THE BEAR

“I have a little problem,” says the bear to the inventor. “You see, I...” But the inventor doesn’t let the bear finish; he knows exactly what he needs: a pair of wings. The now–worried-looking bear goes from shop to shop, each time getting cut off one word earlier in his explanation, each time getting something he clearly doesn’t need. Finally, draped about and laden with scarf, hat, vitamins, necklace, eyeglasses, honey and boots, he makes his way out of town, sits down on a hill and sighs. Leffler’s muted palette and fine lines eschew exaggerating the situation; rather, they play up the bear’s increasing desperation and frustration. When a fly finally listens to the bear, it turns out he is exactly what the bear needs to solve his problem: a friend to keep him company in his cave. The repetitive pattern of the bear’s quest might wear, but for the device of the ever-earlier interruptions. This also neatly serves to underscore the tale’s message: Take time to listen. A slight but sweet Austrian import. (Picture book. 4-8)