The little bear is too young for independence when his mother disappears; but with time, perseverance, and luck he does learn to manage on his own. The Caldecott medalist's lovely, expansive watercolors of the sweeping northern wilderness include some striking points of view (e.g. a half-underwater view of the hungry bear, surrounded by salmon) and are the book's strongest feature. An appealing nature story with enough realistic drama to hold attention.~(Picture book. 4-8)