ALWAYS COPYCUB

A playful bear cub frolics with his mother in this endearing, but cautionary, tale about the perils of playing tricks on mama. Copycub (Copy Me, Copycub, 1999) loves to play hide-and-seek. To his everlasting dismay, his mother always discovers the little bear’s special hiding places. Whether it is from beneath a pile of leaves or the deepest corners of the cave, the young cub’s challenge of “Can’t find me here!” is unwaveringly answered by his mother’s reassuring “Oh, yes, I can.” In an attempt to outwit his mom, Copycub scampers away one day when she isn’t looking. This time, the cub’s challenge goes unanswered. As darkness approaches, the youngster realizes that hiding from mom without warning isn’t the best game. Eventually rescued by his loving parent, Copycub vows never to dart off unexpectedly again. Edwards addresses this fearful scenario with finesse, skillfully demonstrating to readers the consequences of such impulsive actions without making it overly frightening. Winter’s finely detailed watercolors vividly express the shifting emotions of the tale. Subtle gradations in color convey the young bear’s deepening anxiety as sunlit glades gradually transform into barren, gray landscapes while he awaits discovery. A loving tale that successfully conveys a vital message for little ones. (Picture book. 3-7)