A BEST FRIEND FOR BEAR

Two bears set out in search of friendship.

“Finding a friend is not easy,” but Black Bear is up for the challenge. As he makes his way through the woods, he meets Brown Bear, who’s also seeking a pal. The two decide to work together, combing through the forest to find a buddy and pausing for a game of hide-and-seek. Along the way, they realize that their search is easier because they’re together, and in the end, they discover they’ve found a friend in each other. Horáček’s signature illustration style is on display in this sweet story, featuring elements such as the heavily textured fur of the bears and the richly colored forest. The two bears are an irresistible pair; they’re each initially oblivious to the prospect of friendship when they meet yet are open and willing to find it. Attentive readers and listeners may even find it silly that both bears look elsewhere instead of at each other in their search for a companion. The book offers a lovely show of kindness as the bears actively display the hallmarks of good friendship: supporting one another, lightening a heavy load, and sharing excitement.

A sweetly funny tale of burgeoning friendship.