Bruce saves the planet

Gr 1--4--In this latest "Mother Bruce" tale, Bruce reluctantly becomes an environmental inspiration for the entire community. It's a seamless continuation of his story, perfectly introducing the chaos of Bruce's backstory as the begrudging caretaker to a gaggle of geese and mice. As he searches for peace at his favorite fishing hole, he gets swept up in a preservation protest. It continues with typically sharp dialogue, contrasting community enthusiasm with the grumpy bear who can't help but get embroiled in the situation. It's a perfect introduction to advocacy, protesting, discussing with town councils, and even finding legal loopholes. The back matter expands on those themes, describing how we can help save the planet in our homes, community, and more. VERDICT A great addition to Mother Bruce's exploits.

A misanthropic bear inadvertently becomes a conservationist. Grumpy Bruce prefers solitude--though that's hard to find as a devoted parent to a passel of geese and mice. In search of some "me" time, he decides to go fishing but encounters a crowd of environmentalists protesting the building of a factory. Bruce rejects their pleas to join them. At the stream, he's dismayed when his bait leaps into the stream with his lunch. On his way home, Bruce passes the demonstrators, who have been joined by his own offspring. They're delighted he's returned "to save the forest," and soon the unwilling Bruce is shepherded to the town hall, where his unenthusiastic comments are hilariously misinterpreted: "I don't even want to be here." "Bruce is right! None of uswantsto be here. But we MUST!" As it turns out, Bruce's lunchbox holds the key to a miraculous victory: Nestled inside are two extremely rare beetles from the stream that, by law, must be protected. Therefore, no factory! Following a long nap, Bruce rehomes the beetles and finds a new fishing spot, and the forest becomes a "protected wildland," named in Bruce's honor. The contrast between the standoffish Bruce and his earnest children and peers makes for a funny yet sweet tale that celebrates environmental preservation efforts and applauds even the smallest attempts to fight for a worthy cause. Higgins' expressive, crisp, and clean illustrations will keep youngsters chuckling. A satisfying story with an important message. (tips for preserving the environment and animal habitats, websites, further reading)(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.