(1) PS Husband-and-wife team Kerascoët (I Walk with Vanessa, rev. 1/18) returns with this warm-hearted, affecting gem, wordless save for the rare (but effective) use of the titular phrase. A small child and their stuffed bear have been inseparable since infancy--even a brief laundry-day separation is cause for tears and, after the ordeal, a relief-filled reunion: "Bear with me." So when it's time for the first day of school, the child makes every attempt to smuggle the bear along, stuffing it into their backpack and then up their shirt (the text reflecting their determination: "bear. with. me.")--but each attempt is stymied and off they go, bereft. At school, though, the child is active and engaged. Close observation reveals why: the child finds a way to connect each activity with their beloved companion. They look at a book about bears; play dress-up in a bear costume; and make a painting of the bear. At the end of the school day, they run happily to their parents, painting in hand. "BEAR WITH ME!" The ink and watercolor illustrations, mostly vignettes that both progress the action and detail the child-bear friendship, excel at capturing emotion, personality, and occasionally humor.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(2) K-3 In this wordless story, brown-skinned newcomer Vanessa is bullied by a white boy as she walks home alone from school. A girl classmate witnesses the abuse; the next morning she walks to school with Vanessa and they're joined by more supporters. Watercolor and ink illustrations excel at communicating emotions; a mix of vignettes and full-page illustrations expertly controls the pacing. Bullying-related resources are appended.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(4) K-3 Translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. Pig Antoinette is messy and vivacious; her brother, Paul, is prim and cautious. There's not much story: Kerascoët has them take a nature walk spiked with opportunities to showcase their differences. The book has the feel of an introduction to these characters; hopefully, Kerascoët will give them a stronger vehicle next time. The art is distinctive, with cartoony aspects festooning watercolor backdrops.

Reviewer: Nell Beram