Synopsis
Charles Fuge, the acclaimed artist of I Know a Rhino, Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball, and It’s a Monster Party, is back with another winner that’s sure to become a favorite with kids—and their parents. Not only does it have the cutest illustrations ever, but the story is one dear to children’s hearts: the importance of a loving, protective father. A cuddly little bear has a tale to tell about his dad, “the roughest, toughest, biggest, strongest dad in the whole jungle.” The real fun is in the illustrations of cute cubs marching behind and listening— and running off one by one in fear as they hear that Daddy has teeth sharper than an alligator, more claws than an eagle, and can roar as loud as a lion. But when the little bear finds himself alone and gets scared, it’s Papa who comes to save the day. The final illustration —with Daddy carrying his smiling cub, will warm any heart.
Barbara L. Talcroft - Children's Literature
As a little bear brags that his father is the roughest and toughest animal in the jungle, he ferociously demonstrates all the things his dad can do, using bananas for claws and parsnips for fangs. When his small bear friends run away in terror, he finds himself alone in a very scary clearing until a menacing shadow reveals itself to be—his daddy! This big, cheerful picture book (first published in Great Britain) echoes just the kind of scenario that a pre-schooler likes to play out with a congenial adult. Never mind that bears don't live in jungles and that a polar bear (one of the friends) is seldom found near a banana tree! Colors are vivid, especially the greens and yellows of the foliage, while characters are bold and cartoon-like. Daddy is huge, dark brown and furry, and terribly reassuring as he carries the little one away on his shoulder. Young listeners may like to act this out for themselves, or just revel time and again (thanks to the sturdy pages) in the happy reunion after all that delicious shivering. 2003, Sterling, Ages 2 to 5.