Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When readers first see Bear, a cheery fellow in bright blue overalls, he's reading a book called How Make Den. The illustration both establishes the hero and sets up a quirk that gives this story its offbeat readaloud appeal: spouses Godwin and Wagner eliminate all articles-and sometimes verbs-from their staccato narration. Thus, when Bear, bitten by the DIY bug, carves a cave out of a rock face, readers are told, "Den good. Den great. Den just right." But Bear yearns for something more ("Den need...") and gets to work, diligently and joyfully making furnishings, lighting, an oven for whipping up a cake, and even a bear-themed chess set and artwork. There's just one thing missing from this cozy scene: "Den need bears!" he shouts, and with a page turn he's partying with his ursine pals as the narrator declares, "Den done." Joyner renders Bear in a broad cartoon style that may bring to mind Yogi Bear with a stronger moral character. Indeed, Bear is a great role model, proving-without preaching-that industriousness, grit, and ingenuity offer manifold rewards. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Bear makes a den, but he's not done yet. With each improvement, he discovers more things that he needs-chairs, a table, a bed, a sofa, lamps, cake, art, a game-and he makes them all. Yet something is still missing: "Den need Bears!" With a quick sign advertising cake and games and a literal shout-out, the den is soon the scene of a happenin' party, and "Den is done." Godwin and Wagner rightfully decided that the book did not need proper grammar. The simple, fun text provides just enough information to let the illustrations really shine. The cartoon bear is the star as he makes, bakes, and sews his den into party-ready shape. Joyner mixes up his use of panels, white space, and full spreads perfectly. As Bear finishes each project, it's easy to see him go from being satisfied to contemplative to decisive as he thinks of one more thing he needs to add. The scene of all the bears in their party finery (with musical instruments) popping out of the woods is priceless. VERDICT A great read-aloud for maker or friendship storytimes. As each item in the den leads to another, kids will enjoy guessing what's next based on the text and illustrations. Sure to be a popular -selection.-Catherine Callegari, Reston Regional Library, VA © Copyright 2017. 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 Horn Book Review
With a "How Make Den" booklet in paw, industrious Bear digs a den, filling it with homemade chairs, table, bunk bed, and other household niceties, including colorful hand-painted wall art. Minimal text paired with expressive digital illustrations emphasize how invested Bear is in his cheery endeavor. Bear's final realization--"Den Need Bears!"--leads to his inviting fun-loving bear friends over for a festive gathering. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A bear makes a den a home. Written in what might be described as stereotypical caveman speech, the halting, sparse text describes an anthropomorphic bear's ongoing efforts to set up housekeeping. At first the bear's alone in a barren den dug out of a hillside, having presumably followed instructions from a book entitled How Make Den. Initially satisfied with the cave, the bear soon realizes that the "den need" many things. Quite the handy-bear, ideas and tools help produce furniture and, later, food, because all the hard work leads to a rumbling tummy: "Bear needcake!" Satiated but bored, the bear decides, "Den need / game." Ultimately, all of the steps toward making the den a home make the bear want to share it with others, so "DEN NEED BEARS!" and attracts a bevy of ursine friends to make merry at book's end. Joyner's ink drawings with digital color are appealing in their humorous depictions of the industrious, jovial protagonist bear, and their achievement ultimately outshines the text. It's one thing to have a spare text but quite another to have one that doesn't seem to have a reason for its unorthodox, halting phrasing. Book need grammar. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
