And that’s what happened with BECOMING BLUE and today’s Will Write for Cookies guest. Not only will young children (and I) get to read great stories and enjoy glorious illustrations…but when I create a blog post to help spread the word, I connect with the authors and/or illustrators. I'm Queer.You probably all know how excited I get when new books launch. Reviewed from e-galley provided by Beach Lane Books.Įnter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.Īrchives Archives Categories Categories Tags adventures African-Americans American history animals art artists bears bedtime biographies birds bullying cats community creativity death diversity dogs emotions fairy tales families fantasy fathers food friendship friendships grandparents grief historical fiction history humor imagination LGBTQ magic mothers music mysteries nature pets poetry rabbits racism romance school science science fiction seasons self esteem siblings toddlers trees Blogroll When Bear gets sad though, he changes from his deep warm brown to a cool blue and stays that way until Smile returns.Īn empathetic look at emotions and sadness. The landscapes are filled with bright colors of water, flowers and leaves. From Bear’s cozy home to the waterfalls and forests of their habitat.

They create an entire world for Bear and Smile to explore and live in together. The illustrations are done in watercolor, gouache and acrylics. They will likely expect the honey to work, and when it doesn’t that’s a great moment where only quiet empathy will work to find Smile again. Readers will understand immediately and enjoy seeing what will bring Smile back. Treating Smile as its own character makes the book really work well. Bear is usually very happy but some days can be blue ones, where it’s impossible to smile.

Tarlow explores emotions in this picture book, allowing all emotional states to be treated with compassion and empathy. Soon Bear started to feel something deep inside. Then Bird started to sing and Bear hummed along. Bird comes and sits close to Bear not saying a word. But even eating honey doesn’t bring Smile back. Rabbit suggests that Bear look for Smile in their favorite places. Bear called for Smile but they never came. But then one morning, Bear woke up and Smile wasn’t there. They also both would do anything for some honey. They both liked the same breakfast and to explore the forest together. Smile was always there when Bear woke up in the morning. Looking for Smile by Ellen Tarlow, illustrated by Lauren Stringer (9781534466197)īear and Smile spent all their time together doing all sorts of things.