A review by hsquared
Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver

3.0

When Adelaide brings in a giant Nordic-sweater-clad bear as her reading buddy, her teacher and fellow students are a little unsure—terrified might be a better word. Adelaide then proceeds to enumerate the many qualifications of a bear as a reading partner. Though a few are definitely bear-specific (like a super snout for sniffing out great stories, or a pot of honey for minor book repairs), most are excellent suggestions for anyone hoping to encourage a new reader. Adelaide and her bear snuggle together in a reading tent, tackle difficult words, and “clamber to new heights” as they discover new books. Her bear offers “super-sensitive” ears for listening, “bear hugs” for encouragement, and roars of approval. The flat, jewel-toned illustrations depict the challenges of learning to read as a joyous adventure—especially when tackled with a good partner. The large pages with bold illustrations and engaging text make this an excellent read aloud—perfect for a storytime on the pleasures of reading.

*Review copy from Children's Literature Database