Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2020)

This follow-up to Mad, Mad Bear! shows the ups, downs, and all the emotions in between as we watch Bear attend dance class for the first time. Bear has new leggings, new slippers, and a new pink tutu, all of which make our protagonist very, very glad. He warms up at home, smiling in the mirror, and leaping out the front door with a "WHEEEE!" When Bear arrives at the dance studio, his excitement turns to hesitation, and soon Bear is much less sure of himself. He looks around the room at the other dancers (all bears of different shades), and feels like he doesn't fit in. Is it because he traded his dance slippers for cowboy boots? Is it because he's wearing his pink tutu over his leggings, unlike the other (assumed) boy bear in the class? Whatever it is, all of Bear's fears melt away as the music starts and that good feeling returns. Gee's soft, cheery illustrations (rendered in black Prismacolor and colored digitally) and simple text make this an excellent choice for discussing the worry young children may experience when trying something new. Preschool audiences will relate to Bear, while also enjoying the visual treats the illustrations have to offer.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gee-s Mad, Mad Bear turns glad when it-s time for dance class in this simple but emotion-filled follow-up. Clad in new leggings, new ballet slippers, and a pink tutu that generates a crinkly-eyed, page-filling grin, Bear happily prepares for dance class. His elation is palpable as he gracefully leaps out the door, but jitters set in at the studio. In gentle scenes, Gee sensitively captures Bear feeling first -a little shy- in his tutu and leggings-a mix of the other kids- outfits. Luckily, music brings a turning point, eliciting -twirly- feelings that Bear expresses through dance, making him -glad- once more. Rendered in black Prismacolor and digital candy colors, Gee-s thoughtful illustrations sympathetically depict Bear-s shifting emotions in a way that-s realistic and relatable. Ages up to 8. (Feb.)

School Library Journal (Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Toddler-PreS The adorable little cub introduced in Gee's Mad, Mad Bear is having a much better day! He has new leggings, slippers, and a tutu, and is off to dance school. Once he arrives at class, Bear feels a little less sure of himself. This new experience leaves him feeling shy, a little afraid, and different from his classmates. However, when the music starts, he begins to feel light, bubbly, and twirly, and becomes glad once more. Using the simplest language and full-bleed friendly illustrations in muted pastels, this winning story is perfect for sharing one-on-one or with a group. VERDICT Gee explores a multitude of feelings that come with any new and exciting experience. A bonus feature is that it subtly subverts gender norms. Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR