Big Brown Bear Goes to Town
by David McPhail
Published by Harcourt, Inc.
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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
David McPhail has written and illustrated more than fifty picture books since he began his career in 1971. Some of his titles are Mole Music, Sister, and Big Brown Bear's Up and Down Day.
Sometimes a simple act of kindness makes for an awesome lesson and a marvelous story for children.
Big Brown Bear went to get his mail while waiting for his oatmeal to cool. He noticed that it had rained during the night. He was happy that his mailbox kept his mail dry. But he noticed that Rat's car filled up with water when it rained, so he emptied it out for him. Rat appreciated Big Brown Bear's thoughtfulness and told him how much trouble it was to bail out the water every time it rained. Unfortunately Rat didn't have anyplace to put his car to keep it dry.
Big Brown Bear came up with a wonderful idea. But he wanted to keep it a secret. He asked Rat for a ride into town so he could go to the hardware store. When they returned Big Brown Bear gave Rat a special surprise.
Armchair Interviews says: Children will enjoy Big Brown Bear Goes to Town. The story is sweet and thoughtful and the illustrations are colorful and inviting.