The author-illustrator team behind Giraffes Can't Dance (2001) returns with a rhyming ode to bravery starring a pair of anthropomorphic bears.Strong, handsome, courageous Clarence catches fish and finds honey with ease; in short, he's "everything grizzly bears ought to be." A loving big sibling, he gently encourages younger, smaller brother Dave to follow his example, but sensitive Dave presents a different image of masculinity. Wearing a flower garland, he cries: "I'll never be Clarence, not EVER!" But Dave is struck by inspiration when he finds a brightly patterned piece of fabric on a walk and embarks on a secret project. Eventually, he invites all the animals to his den and presents his brother with a fabulous cloak, explaining that creating it "makes me feel…TRUE." The transformation is tied up with an emotional bow as Clarence sheds tears of joy and tells Dave that accepting who he is makes him brave. The immediate and unanimous acceptance of Dave's affinity for fashion is sweet if perhaps a bit idealistic; human children may not be as accepting as the gaggle of woodland critters, though the trepidation Dave feels in breaking from the norm rings true. Given how reassuring Clarence is from the get-go, there isn't much dramatic tension, and it's a story we've seen countless times before. The illustration style is love it or leave it, with campy, bright colors and a nostalgic, retro feeling in the shading and slight shadows. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A gentle counter to traditional notions of masculinity and grit that breaks little new ground. (Picture book. 4-7)

K-Gr 2 —From the duo that produced Giraffes Can't Dance comes the rhyming story of Dave, a bear who needs to be true to himself. While his brother is brave and strong and all the things that a bear is allegedly supposed to be, Dave doesn't fit in that model. He longs to be true to his love of color, self-expression, and clothes. Reminiscent of Mo Willems's Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed , the young hero of the story decides to boldly display who he is and what he loves, finding himself accepted by his community. Soon all the animals are enjoying fashions by Dave! More importantly, Dave and his brother feel good about themselves and about each other. VERDICT Brilliantly hued illustrations capture a forest tale of self-acceptance and bravery. This title would be useful for launching a discussion about going beyond mere acceptance and tolerance to true celebration and appreciation of the diversity in our world.—John Scott