We love our teacher!

PreS-Gr 1--The latest "Berenstain Bears" story celebrates teachers who balance the hard work of learning with the joy of applying new knowledge in motivating situations. At the start of his fourth grade year, Brother believes his new teacher, Miz Bearly, is a "little grumpy." He soon learns that although she is "tough," requiring students to do homework and take tests, she is exceedingly knowledgeable about history, science, dinosaurs, and outer space. Miz Bearly brings astronomy and history alive through the experiences she plans. Her students study the Moon at night with a telescope and visit a water mill to understand forces and motion. The illustrations have fun details that show Miz Bearly's passion for learning and depth of knowledge: she wears an "I love T-Rex" sticker and the drawing of the Saturn 5 she uses in class is very detailed. VERDICT In true Berenstain Bears fashion, where every book helps caregivers impart a useful life lesson, this early reader shows children the importance of getting to know a tough, hardworking teacher.--Sally James