When Bear "feels achy with a stuffed-up nose," his friends come to his rescue with plenty of "TLC." They tend him with a cool cloth, hot broth, and herbal tea, but nothing seems to work. Finally, their lullabies put him to sleep, and he awakens "feeling like new." His friends, however, are now sick, but he assures them, "You took care of me . . . now. I'll take care of you." With the characteristic gentle humor of Wilson and Chapman's earlier "Bear" books, the jaunty rhymed narrative invites children to chime in on the "still feels sick" refrain. The large, appealing autumnal illustrations match the lively tone and make this an excellent choice for fall and flu-season story times.

When Bear is sick, his friends nurse him back to health. Then, just as he gets better, they all come down with his cold. The rhymes are pedestrian, but Wilson's title-as-refrain ("And the bear feels sick") and Chapman's expressive illustrations strengthen this installment describing the forest friends' latest adventure. Bear's fans will not be disappointed.

This gentle rhyming tale about being sick and taking care of friends is sure to cheer up even the sniffliest of small patients. It's a beautiful autumn day, but Bear is feeling sick and cannot play with his friends. Instead of leaving him to recuperate alone, they tenderly try to make him feel better. Hare snuggles a blanket around him and mouse gives him a hug, while badger gets some water so that gopher can cook some broth and mole can put a cool cloth on his forehead. When this does not cure him, the birds fly off to get some leaves for tea, but Bear "still feels sick." Lullabies finally coax him off to sleep, and when he awakens, all their efforts have paid off. Unfortunately, now his friends are feeling sick, and bear unflinchingly takes up the mantle of caregiver. Chapman's acrylic illustrations are as delightful as ever, depicting an adorable cast of forest animals in warm earth tones. The friends' love for one another is more than evident from their facial expressions and tender actions. This is a sure soother for anyone home sick in bed. (Picture book. 3-7)

PreS-Gr 2-It is a typical autumn day, with blowing leaves and golden trees. But Bear doesn't feel well. He has a cold, and is feeling alone in his cave, snuffling and sneezing. Then all of his friends come to try and help him feel better. They light a fire, fluff his blanket, and make him some broth and tea, tending him lovingly. The rhyming text and oft-repeated refrain ("Bear feels sick") make this book irresistible when read aloud. Chapman's illustrations are warm and cozy. Bear is big and cuddly. His friends are shown doing small things to help him get better, including making drawings and singing him to sleep. The paintings glow with the light of the fire and the heat of the cave. What more could anyone ask when under the weather than a snug house and plenty of TLC?-Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.