Share, Big Bear, Share! (Review and Giveaway!)

Oh yeah, did I mention my giveaway frenzy was continuing into May? Yep, so much to "share" (pun intended...). This time we're going back to the picture book audience with this new title from Maureen Wright's Big Bear series, Share, Big Bear, Share! So enjoy this blog tour stop, check out my review, and enter the giveaway below!

Share, Big Bear, Share!
Written by Maureen Wright, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1503951006
Publisher: Two Lions
Date of publication: April 25, 2017
Age: 3 - 7 years
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: sharing, forest animals,

"Big Bear's forest friends eye his berries hungrily, but he doesn't notice as he digs into his delicious snack. When the old oak tree says, 'Share, Big Bear, share,' he thinks the tree has said, 'Hair, Big Bear, hair!' One comical scene follows another as Big Bear keeps misunderstanding the old oak tree's message until things finally get sorted out. Whimsical illustrations highlight the humor in this gentle story about the importance of sharing something special with friends."

Such a great readaloud. Seriously. While the story is nothing really unique, the cute characters and humor make it pretty special. This gnarled old oak tree with it's deep, low voice totally inspires the reader to take on one's best impersonation of an ent (Treebeard, anyone? You know, Lord of the Rings style). And Bear's constant misunderstanding not only makes for great humor but the rhyming is something kids would jump on board with real quick. In fact, it'd be fun to hear from the audience other possibilities that Bear could mishear (what else rhymes with "share"?).

The illustrations are soft and fuzzy, just like Bear himself. They keep the book cute (oh man, Bear's hair after he combs it...!). Really, overall, it's one to recommend. My one complaint may be how much Bear comes off as a dunce, especially at the end when he finally understands Tree and notices all the animals gathered around ("How could I forget to share?"). I think it might've been a bit more relatable and successful if Bear was hesitant to share because (like all of us) he was a little bit selfish. But hey, maybe it's better this way for kids. Again, it's cute and fun and I still highly recommend it. Check it out!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

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Maureen Wright lives with her husband in Athens, Pennsylvania. They have three grown sons, two grandsons, and two cats. In addition to the Big Bear series, she's also written Earth Day, Birthday, illustrated by Violet Kim; Grumpy Groundhog, illustrated by Amanda Haley; and Go to Sleep, Maddie!, illustrated by Elisabeth Schlossberg. Learn more at www.maureenwright.org.

Will Hillenbrand has written and/or illustrated over 60 books for young readers including Down by the Barn, Mother Goose Picture Puzzles and the Bear and Mole series. He has lived almost all of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up as the youngest of four boys. He now lives in Terrace Park and was recently honored as Author/Illustrator in Residence at Kent State University. Information about his books, selected readings, art process videos and activity ideas can be viewed at www.willhillenbrand.com. Connect with Will at www.facebook.com/willhillenbrandbooks.

Check out the book trailer and see more book activities on Will's website.

Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a copy of SHARE, BIG BEAR, SHARE!, courtesy of Two Lions. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open to the US only, ends 5/11/2017. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. Literary Hoots and the publisher/publicity department are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. If you are under 13, please get a parent or guardian's permission to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter after the contest ends. Literary Hoots reserves the right to disqualify contestants. Fraudulent activities will be monitored and will lead to exclusion. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email, otherwise, we will pick a new winner.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me emily{at}literaryhoots{dot}com