The Horn Book Guide

YOUNGER FICTION

Jacques, Brian , Jacques, Brian

The Tale of Urso Brunov: Little Father of All Bears

48 pp. | Philomel | September, 2003 | Trade ISBN 0-399-23762-3 $$16.99

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Alexi Natchev & Alexi Natchev. The thumb-size but still commanding leader of a tribe of tiny bears sets out in the winter to retrieve four of his species who decided they preferred to migrate, like the geese, rather than hibernate. Told in an entertainingly grandiose storytelling style, the saga of Urso Brunov is accompanied by expressive watercolor illustrations of the obstacles and various creatures Urso encounters along the way.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann