Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: A cub story by Kristen Tracy, illustrated by Alison Farrell

This sweet board book follows the story of a bear cub through the seasons. The story opens with the little cub peering over a green branch in a forest of red tree trunks. The furry bear sprawls out, letting readers count their wet nose, big claws, and all-over fur.

The cub eats a lot “compared to a hedgehog” and a little compared to a moose. They are slower than an elk and faster than a snail. They sniff, explore blackberry bushes, play with the wolves and foxes, climb trees, dig for food, and fish. The seasons change from the bright greens and blues of spring to the reds and yellows of autumn, to the snowy white and blue of winter as the cub settles into their den and curls up with their mama.

The book is a slightly taller rectangle with sturdy pages and the simple, declarative text is charming. The illustrations are cozy and this would make an adorable read-aloud, bedtime story, or a story to share with kids learning about seasons, bears, or concepts like size and comparison.

Verdict: A must-have purchase for most public library board book collections and it would also make a sweet gift for toddlers and babies.

ISBN: 9781452174587; Published September 2021 by Chronicle; Borrowed from another library in my consortium