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PRESCHOOL
Tracy, Kristen

I Am Friendly: Confessions of a Helpful Bear

40 pp. | Farrar | May, 2024 | Trade ISBN 9780374391188 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 9780374393526 $11.99
(2) PS Illustrated by Erin Kraan. Tracy and Kraan provide humorous (faux) insight into the thoughts of one of nature's more formidable creatures: the brown bear. Our protagonist begins the story's narration with reassurances that, rather than being ferocious, "I am friendly. I've been thoughtful my whole life." But despite good intentions, the bear's repeated attempts to assist other forest creatures just cause chaos, often because the other animals are terrified at the bear's intimidating presence. Disorder also results from the bear's strength; for instance, vigorously scratching one's back on a signpost can rearrange the signs and prevent future travelers from reaching their destinations. Even more amusingly, the protagonist is completely oblivious to all the tumult (or, in the case of the signpost, "fixes" it in a way that doesn't help). Cartoonish illustrations enhance the plot and humor using varied compositions, from full-bleed spreads to sequential vignettes and panels. At the book's end, the bear, tuckered out from a long day of helping others, addresses readers directly with a "bear hug" -- which looks scary, but readers and listeners can draw their own conclusions.
Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

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