First available in 1967 from Holt, Rinehart and Winston's school division, this was again published in 1983 as a trade book . Brown Bear s popularity has snowballed ever since, as preschool and primary grade teachers spread the word: first, that it's a terrific book for teaching colors and also that, with the whole-language movement taking off, it's a high-interest, beginning reader with rhythm, repetition, and predictability. The new edition offers the original wording, with such minor changes from the 1983 edition as redbird to red bird and I see a mother looking at me to I see a teacher looking at me. The new illustrations feature crisper lines, bolder colors, and a bit more texture than the originals, making them even more striking. (Reviewed Mar. 1, 1992)

Though a couple of the story lines are not terrible, all of these books are crammed with words that include the featured letter, making for a distracting and unsatisfying reading experience. Alley's lighthearted illustrations are more limber than the texts. Unnecessary last-page features include animal facts and phonemic awareness activities. There are five other spring 2010 books in this series.

PreS-Gr 1-- In this new edition of the popular classic (Holt, 1983), the same clean design and crisp text remain. Illustrations, however, have been slightly altered. Stronger colors and more texture help delineate animal bodies more sharply. Positions and shapes are slightly changed, resulting in a less static look. Red Bird is shown in flying position with a sleeker body, sharper beak, and more carefully defined tail and wing features. Yellow Duck has webbed feet and an open bill; Blue Horse has black hooves and teeth showing; Green Frog a spotted back and pink tongue; the former Mother with pale pink skin has become Teacher with beige skin tones and darker hair. The overall effect is livelier and more interesting, although changes are minimal enough that the old edition is still serviceable. When replacements are in order, this will be a welcome addition. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY