Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
It's Bear versus the wind in this autumnal story. When Bear sneezes, he mistakenly believes that he is responsible for blowing the leaves off a tree. "Bear, can't you see?/ The leaves flew down because of me," says the billowing wind, whose gusts suggest an opera singer belting out a solo. "Wind, it wasn't you," Bear later insists, "the geese flew away when I sneezed/ Achoo!" Hillenbrand's sweeping mixed-media spreads should stir up anticipation for apple-picking season, though the angry, tempestuous wind has the potential to frighten some younger readers. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Bumbling Big Bear is back in another misadventure. In this autumn-themed installment, he believes that his sneezes are causing leaves and apples to drop from trees and geese to migrate. The wind tries to convince him otherwise, as she knows she is the real source of these events. Finally, with a "deep breath" and a "whirling, twirling mighty shout," Autumn Breeze shows Big Bear her powers. The large, mixed-media illustrations are lively and appealing, and readers will find humor in the scene in which Big Bear is trying to tack all of the fallen leaves back onto branches. This title will appeal to young children, especially where Big Bear has a fan base.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Big Bear gets in all kinds of trouble when he takes credit for the work of the wind.The leaves are burnished gold and orange, birds fill the sky and Big Bear lets out an enormous sneeze. Coincidentally, this occurs just when the wind whirls the leaves right off the trees. Even though the wind tries to explain, Bear thinks that he's responsible and tries to nail the leaves back on. Further up the hill is an apple tree, where the same thing happens: "Just as Big Bear let out a sneeze, / branches shook in a very strong breeze." A flock of geese is resting on the lake, and another gust (simultaneous with a Bear sneeze) sends them flapping away. When Bear claims credit for this as well, the wind loses his temper and pairs his loudest declaration with his strongest gale force: "I do it all! I'm the autumn breeze!" Bear listens and, after scratching his head, says, "You could have told me before," and retires for the winter. Hillebrand's mixed-media illustrations use a bright and appealing palette; his evocation of the wind is particularly charming.Still, though the bounce of Wright's verse is welcome, the story is all too slender; for truly satisfying ursine braggadocio, try How Chipmunk Got His Stripes, by Joseph and James Bruchac, illustrated by Jos Aruego and Ariane Dewey (2001). (Picture book. 3-6) ]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
