JACK THE BEAR

On the cover a kindly bear looks up with open arms to welcome readers into an exploration of what could make “the world a better place.” Cynical Nosy Fox and unflappable Brainy Owl notice Jack sharing honey with Grumpy Squirrel, and this act prompts a litany of incredulous questions from the fox. He cannot believe Jack is doing something that could have such a positive impact on the world—isn’t that the job of presidents, scientists and peace-prize winners?—but Owl’s patient explanations convince Fox to take another look. Leist’s illustrations on recycled paper shopping bags combine crayon, watercolor, pencil, marker and ink and are executed in a seemingly simple style that will be accessible for preschoolers. The text, with vocabulary and concept more apt for slightly older readers, appears typewritten, with blotchy and faded spots on some of the letters. Words dramatically increase in size, often emphasizing odd parts of dialogue. While the clever choices of creatures to represent their important human counterparts may elicit chuckles from adults, this well-meaning tale ultimately fails to be greater than the sum of its parts. (Picture book. 4-6)