No Bear Anywhere by Leah Gilbert

 Although, in my opinion, Leah Gilbert's debut A couch for Llama is still her funniest book to date, her third creation definitely gives it a run for its money.

From the endpages showing two rampaging toddlers, one in a bear suit, to the title page and first spread showing an exhausting mama trying to get the kids ready to go outside, Gilbert definitely knows the exhaustion of dealing with little ones! The mom's messy hair and sleep-deprived eyes will elicit a chuckle from parents while kids will excitedly travel the path with little Bruin, who's eager to see a bear.

However, although he sees lots of cool things, including a pinecone, flower, and more, there are no bears anywhere! Or are there? The brown-skinned baby in the stroller keeps trying to point out something that's just behind them, cleaning up their spilled snacks, playing with their dropped toys.... a family of fuzzy bears! Finally, all three of them see something truly amazing - a real, live family of fuzzy... ducklings!

Verdict: A celebration of the joys of finding things outdoors and the patience of parents, this relatable story will have parents and kids alike giggling. If it's a little long for storytime with younger kids, it can easily be shortened by leaving out Bruin's little songs about what he's seeing. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781547605620; Reinforced at $15.19 on Baker & Taylor

Published May 2024 by Bloomsbury; Added to library order backlist