In spring Big Bear steps out of her winter den accompanied by tiny, wobbly youngster Little One. Together they roam the forest where Big Bear imparts important life lessons to her cub: be gentle with friends; enjoy long summer days; stalk quietly to catch a fish; swim safely in the lake; and fill up on ripe autumn berries. When winter returns, an older and wiser Little One accompanies Mom back to their safe, warm den, where the two curl up to await another spring. Weaver's debut picture book offers a simple tale of togetherness and growing independence, rooted in nature yet clearly meant to also represent the experiences of young children. The soft charcoal illustrations exude a cozy, safe feel. They depict seasonal changes to the bears' habitat, curiosity about all the new things Little One learns, and wonder at the natural world. This makes a good choice for spring story hours and pairs nicely with Kevin Henkes' Old Bear (2008) and April Pulley Sayre's Eat like a Bear (2013).

PreS-Gr 1 A mother bear and her cub journey throughout the seasons in Weaver's picture book debut. The slightly anthropomorphized Big Bear and Little One delight in their woodland home, catching fish, eating berries, making friends, and simply enjoying the wind and the stars. Brief, gentle text and Big Bear's generous, comforting presence make for a soothing read. Black-and-white charcoal illustrations support this peaceful mood by showcasing the natural surroundings: scenes of the forest, lake, and cave are simultaneously glorious and cozy. Weaver effectively combines the velvet quality of charcoal and the rough patterns of the textured paper background to capture the beauty in dandelions, night skies, sunbeams, and sleeping bears. VERDICT A sweet parent-child story for bedtime that evokes safety, peace, and plenty. Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library