Five bears enjoy a day of picnicking and playing together under the blossoming trees in this latest in Parenteau's Bears on Chairs series. Yellow, Fuzzy, Floppy, and Calico are excited to be preparing for a day of adventures together. They pack a picnic basket and kites, and Floppy provides the music with her drum. Big Brown Bear brings the picnic blanket. But before he can taste his honey-slathered bread, the breeze changes to a strong wind, which prompts the small bears to dash off to fly their kites…and themselves, as it turns out. When the wind dies down, Big Bear is there to break their landings, and they all sit down to finally enjoy their honey. Parenteau's meter is a bit mixed in this outing, which also seems thin compared to others in the series. There's no problem-solving: just some mild tension that turns to fun. Mostly it's a tale of friends enjoying a beautiful spring day and one another's company, which offers its own satisfaction. Walker's acrylic illustrations convey the curiosity, wonder, and excitement of the small bears as they walk and play under pink blossom-laden trees. Another season, another warming tale of bear friendship and fun. (Picture book. 3-6)

PreS-K It's a beautiful spring day and the little bears want to play under the blossoming trees. The cubs start packing all of the good things they will need for a fun picnic. They bring honey and bread for lunch, drums for music and marching, and bright kites to fly in the sky. Big Bear helps them pack everything up and then they all head out to spend a day in the sun. After finding the perfect spot, the young bears set off to fly their colorful kites among the falling pink blossoms. Big Bear wants to sit and eat his lunch but his appetite will have to wait. The wind starts to blow stronger and it takes his bread and honey away. But then it also picks up the cubs with their kites and they take flight! Fortunately, Big Bear is there to help out. The use of acrylic paint gives the illustrations a soft appearance and smooth texture. The entertaining antics of the characters will capture the attention of young children. The bears seem to be full of energy as they run, climb, and soar through the sky. VERDICT This rhyming read-aloud is perfect for introducing and teaching young children about spring. Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA