BIG SMELLY BEAR

Perfect for sharing with young children, this crowd-pleaser features an oversized format, a rhythmic text and a cast of big, easily visible woodland creatures—led by a bear who never brushes or bathes: “Big Smelly Bear was followed by a big smelly stink wherever he went. Flies buzzed all around him. But they were the only ones that ever came close.” This last becomes a real problem when Bear wakes one day with an unbearable (so to speak) itch in a place that he just can’t reach. Happily, along comes Big Fluffy Bear, who is not only willing to scratch if he’ll clean up his act, but has the gumption to withstand his initial bellowed refusals. Closing with a scene of tender togetherness, and a final view of Big Smelly Bear in the pond with a scrub brush and a rubber duckie, this should engender roars of approval while deftly making its point. (Picture book. 5-8)