The newest title in Diana Noonan’s Best-Loved Bear series is The Best-Behaved Bear. It is a gorgeous, original story illustrated by Elizabeth Fuller.
Kiwi children have been reading The Best-Loved Bear for decades now, so it’s lovely that the publishers have brought out companion stories that are related but stand-alone stories also. The Best-Behaved Bear is a tale about Tim, who wants to take his favourite companion Toby on holiday. This is no ordinary holiday – it’s a tropical beach setting for his Aunty’s wedding! But how will Tim find room for Toby when there are so many other items the family needs to pack?
I’m liking
My 2 year old really likes this story – it’s got so many familiar characters from a favourite stuffed toy to a grey-haired Gran and other family members that he can relate to. The clear, pencil/pastel style illustrations make following the words simple for even small children. Attention to detail, such as the little tear that forms on Toby’s leg and the beautiful tropical beach setting all add to the enjoyment of the story. The text is easy to read and flows nicely – without rhyming!
The conclusion
This book is the complete package. It has a great ending – it says what it needs to but doesn’t over-explain – and I love its simplicity. This is a picture book that will engage 2-5s over and over.
The Best-Behaved bear is published by Scholastic.
