Where Are You, Bear?
A Canadian Alphabet Adventure
Owlkids Books Inc.
Available: 08/01/10
8.84 x 9.59 · 32 pages
9781897349915
CDN $18.95
· cl
Canadian Title
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A fresh take on a classic concept: an ABC and story book combined in one! Canada is a big country to travel across without your favorite bear by your side, but that's just what 4-year-old Sophie has to do! Unable to find Bear as Sophie and her dad prepare to leave Newfoundland to visit her grandmother in British Columbia, Sophie must brave traveling across the giant country without her trusted companion. After Bear emerges from under Sophie's bed, he realizes what's happened and sets off on his own adventure: chasing after Sophie. The cat and mouse, or rather girl and bear, game that ensues is a madcap ABC adventure across Canada that takes the two separated pals through all 13 provinces and territories. Along the way, Sophie and Bear encounter all sorts of animals, people, sights, sounds, and tastes of Canada. From a bowl of chowder in Nova Scotia to a polar bear in Nunavut, the whole country is in on the trip. Illustrator Sean L. Moore uses a sophisticated and fresh color palette, iconic images, and detailed backgrounds to bring this warm and contemporary Canadian story to life.
"Sean L. Moore's bright, cartoonish characters ... will appeal to the target audience." (Quill & Quire)
"Moore's bright, block cartoon illustrations will hold the interest of those learning their letters..." (Kirkus Reviews)
"The words are simple and appropriate for new readers, and the flat, stylized cartoon illustrations will keep young readers engaged." (School Library Journal)
"A multifaceted, educational book that both children and parents will want to read again and again." (Suite101.com)
"... now that I have read [Where Are You, Bear?] I think it's my favourite alphabet book of all." (Word of Mouse Book Reviews)
"The thoughtful attention to detail and strong Canadian content make this book useful as part of a Canadian geography unit as well as reinforcing the alphabet." (Canadian Teacher)
"A cute, lively story that covers the alphabet in a very cool Canadian way." (CM: Canadian Review of Materials)
FRIEDA WISHINSKY is the award-winning author of What's the Matter with Albert?; Please, Louise; and the books in the Canadian Flyer Adventures series. Originally from New York, Wishinsky lives in Toronto.
SEAN L. MOORE has written and illustrated a number of books for children, including Always Run Up the Stairs, which received an honorable mention from the Alcuin Society; Veggies, Smeggies; Yellow Blues; and Doggie Bag. Sean studied classical animation in his native Toronto until 1998, when he moved to British Columbia where, for the past 12 years, he has worked as a character designer for a number of popular animated television shows. Sean currently lives with his dog, Zeke, in Vancouver.
