Share, Big Bear, Share by Maureen Wright and Will Hillenbrand

Share, Big Bear, Share 
by Maureen Wright 
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
Published April 25, 2017
Two Lions
Ages 3-7 (from the publisher)
Hardcover
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Big Bear’s forest friends eye his berries hungrily, but he doesn’t notice as he digs into his delicious snack. When the old oak tree says, “Share, Big Bear, share,” he thinks the tree has said, “Hair, Big Bear, hair!” One comical scene follows another as Big Bear keeps misunderstanding the old oak tree’s message until things finally get sorted out. Whimsical illustrations highlight the humor in this gentle story about the importance of sharing something special with friends.

My Thoughts
This book is the third "Big Bear" book. Just like in Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep and Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze, Big Bear misunderstands what is being said to him. When the old oak tree tells him to share his big bucket of berries with the other animals, Big Bear thinks he is saying something else that rhymes with share (hair, lair, chair). I can see children reading the line, "Share, Big Bear, share" all together to help him hear it. The repetitive text will also help them read along. Readers are exposed to rich vocabulary such as, lumbered, scampered, swerving, and beneath. 
The illustrations are wonderful. Each page is filled with color from top to bottom. The woodland creatures are adorable right down to the old oak tree. There is a lot to look at. I can see children holding this book an examining it closely to find the mice running away with berries and the red bird that likes to perch in the oak tree. 

This book would make a nice addition to any home, school or classroom library.

Check out the book trailer.

About the Illustrator

WILL HILLENBRAND has written and/or illustrated over 60 books for young readers including Down by the Barn, Mother Goose Picture Puzzles and the Bear and Mole series. He has lived almost all of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up as the youngest of four boys. He now lives in Terrace Park and was recently honored as Author/Illustrator in Residence at Kent State University.

Information about his books, selected readings, art process videos and activity ideas can be viewed at www.willhillenbrand.com. Connect with Will at www.facebook.com/willhillenbrandbooks.

Find activities on Will Hillenbrand's website.

Thank you to Two Lions and Blue Slip Media for organizing this giveaway. 

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