Synopsis
After awakening early from his winter sleep and wishing for someone to play with, Little Bear is joined by new friends who help him make a snowman.
Sara Lorimer - Children's Literature
Little Bear wakes up early from his hibernation and is startled to see the world covered in snow. Running outside to play, he wishes for someone to enjoy the snow with. Unable to find any playmates, he makes a snowman. While building it, he is joined by Otter and Rabbit. When the three of them decide to go off exploring, they make a smaller snowman to keep the first one company. "He'll never be lonely now that he has a friend," says Otter, and Rabbit agrees, "just like us!" The language and story are simple and appropriate for young children. The full-color often full-page illustrations are just this side of too-cute, but kids will love them. There are some attractive touches: the background scenery is well done, and the sky grows subtly darker as night falls. Otter, in particular, is drawn with a realistic slinkiness. The snowman is covered with fine, bumpy glitter, which sounds like it could be a gimmick but actually is quite pretty. This book would be a good addition to any story time about winter or friendship. 2005, Good Books, Ages 2 to 5.