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Friday, March 7, 2014

Bear and Bee Too Busy, written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier. Disney Hyperion Books, Hachette. 2014. $16.50 ages 3 and up

"Hmm. What else is there
to do?" says Bear.
"Hooray!"
"Bee!" says Bear.
"Come and climb the tree
with me.
You will love it!"
"No, thank you, Bear,"
says Bee. "I'm too busy to
climb the tree."

They are back! In this second story of unexpected friendship, Bear and Bee discover that everything is better when shared with a friend. Bear is bent on fun, and does everything he can to entice Bee from her morning's work to have fun with him.

With each new suggestion, Bee replies that she's too busy. Bear heads off to find something else to do; along the way, he discovers that 'fun' is more fun with friends to share it. He has great ideas. He suggests rolling down the hill, climbing a tree, even splashing in the pond. Bee just can't allow herself to abandon the work that needs doing. (Have you ever sounded like that when your little one issued such an invitation?)

Bear is quick to share his feelings with his best friend:

"Oh Bee….Having fun is not as fun without you.”

So true, isn't it?

When Bee's work is done, and she wants to share a look at the moon with her friend, Bear is busy.  Bee finds a way to entice him from his slumber, in a perfect ending. 

The illustrations bring these familiar characters back to us for a welcome repeat visit. The cheerful colors, the warm expressions, and the homey setting combine with repetitive text sure to encourage early readers to pick it up and try it for themselves. All the while, they will building confidence, finding pleasure in the story and wanting to read it to someone else!  Huzzah!

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