Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Matt Phelan ★ ★ 2/5


This book is about a bear covered in thick messy hair, all except for his "no-hair nose". The hairy bear and his no-hair-nose traipse through the seasons, catching salmon, wallowing in blueberries bushes, gorging on tree nuts and finally hibernating. It is only then that the poor dear creature feels off-put by the nip of winter air on his no-hair-nose.

While the story has the potential to teach children about the different seasons, the illustrations do not strengthen the story, as they more closely resemble an unidentified fur ball splaying about than a bear. Repeating the phrase "no-hair-nose" throughout the story could also be grating for some readers. It's an unappealing concept.

Essentially, a furball rolls through the seasons and then a hibernating bear complains of a cold nose. It doesn't quite gel. Published by Harcourt 2007, retails for $17.95 CAN (hardcover).

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