Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest (review)

Reviewed by: Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest Kate Quealy-Gainer Hest, Amy Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing; illus. by Erin E. Stead. Porter/Holiday House, 2024 40p Trade ed. ISBN 9780823449750 18. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs Big Bear and Little Bear are "just in the mood" for fishing, so they tug on boots and raincoats, then grab their poles and their wagon. Everyone knows a fishing trip isn't complete without some warm blueberry scones, so they make a quick detour to the blueberry patch and then the kitchen, whipping up a fresh batch of treats to be packed in their picnic basket. Soon they're off to the lake, where they climb into a wobbly old boat and push off. It turns out the fish are sleepy today and have no interest in being caught, but fortunately Big Bear was wise enough to bring a book to pass the time. The bears return home with empty fish baskets but tummies full of delicious scones and are both promptly "just in the mood for a nap. " There's little action here but plenty of cozy fun, and echoes of Winnie-the-Pooh's exploits ripple through the gentle, low-stakes adventure. Stead's illustrations call up Milne, too, in the bears' rounded bellies and their affable postures, radiating both curiosity and comfort. Muted, earthy watercolors and thin linework set against a creamy background match the text's soothing tone, but the art lacks Stead's usual detail that makes her work in Fogliano's And Then It's Spring (BCCB 3/12) and Philip Stead's A Sick Day for Amos McGee so visually compelling, and the story ends up feeling rather one note. Still, there's clear affection between Big Bear and Little Bear and this would make a soothing lapsit with outdoorsy grandparents—or maybe just those who enjoy a good nap. Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois