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PRESCHOOL
Yolen, Jane

Bear Outside

32 pp. | Holiday/Porter | March, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-4613-1 $18.99
(2) PS Illustrated by Jen Corace. In this spare, lyrical picture book, Yolen explores the robust inner life of a child as she learns to navigate her world with the love and support of an ursine alter-ego. "I wear my bear on the outside...like wearing a suit of armor," she says. Bear shields the girl from the slings and arrows of childhood and bolsters her to be brave and take charge in various situations. ("Only not at swimming lessons. That can be dangerous for both of us.") Through sharing, taking care of each other, and exploring life to the fullest, there's no doubt that this child and her bear are going places. Corace's joyfully expressive watercolors portray the loving symbiosis between human and animal. Bear is the only figure that is outlined, albeit loosely, lending a dynamism to her portrayal. Bear is never fierce; she is big, energetic, and cuddly, with pink cheeks and a shy smile. She surrounds her girl, enveloping her like a security blanket, yet letting her shine like the star she is. A warm and winning title about becoming one's own person.
Reviewer: Luann Toth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021

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