BRAVE LITTLE BEAR

A bear cub awakens his courage.

Winter is nearly over, and after a long nap, it’s time for Arlo, his sister, Eva, and their mother to leave the den and travel to Spring Valley. Arlo is not sure he’s ready. He doesn’t like change. Eva is much braver, and as the trio journey to their new home, she races up the treetops and splashes in the water without a care. The trio reach a steep mountain ridge that they must cross to get to Spring Valley. Partway up the slope, a blinding late-season snowstorm descends. With snowflakes stinging his eyes, Arlo realizes that Eva has fallen behind. Without stopping to think of fear, Arlo turns back to find her. Reunited but separated from their mother, the two must make it over the ridge together. With great pluck, Arlo realizes he is braver than he thinks. Arlo and Eva are identical roly-poly little cubs, only distinguishable (slightly) by their coloring and Arlo’s blue-tinted nose. Small heightens the emotional toll of their journey with whirling snow and dramatic slides backward, with tiny, outstretched paws grasping for help. Luckily, cozy, snuggly family time (with all three together again) prevails. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A tender reminder that bravery comes from within.