Bear in a Square

Share the adventure of a big, friendly bear as he roams through all sorts of crazy settings, discovering different shapes along the way. The book is designed to offer young children practice in both counting and shape recognition. Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal PreSchool-This very simple title teaches shapes and counting. However, since the illustrations are clear and realistic and the colors are true, it could be used for color and object identification as well. Starting with a double-page spread of a building with three square windows and a door, the text asks readers to find the bear in the square. A strip on the side gives a clue as to which window is the correct one. The text on the next page asks children to find the two hearts in the queen's hair, and the right-hand strip shows the shape to search for. The book continues through 10 stars in the dark. The shapes include simple ovals and stars but also zigzags, triangles, and crescents. Specific numbers are not mentioned, but youngsters will realize that the quantities of objects are increasing. Some of the illustrations are whimsical such as moons in a cave but others are realistic with balls in a swimming pool and rectangles in a classroom. Therefore, the presentation also offers opportunities to talk about realism versus fantasy. An engaging, brightly colored matching game for storytimes or for teaching concepts. Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Booklist Ages 3^-5. Bold graphics with bright colors and eye-zapping patterns will draw children to this picture book of shapes. Each spread invites children to search the double-page spread for a particular shape, which is also shown in a banner down the edge of the right-hand page. Those enamored of using one book for many purposes will want to note that the first shape appears in the banner once, the second shape twice, and so on, giving the book an alternative use as a counting book. The rhyming text challenges kids to "Find the circles in the pool / Find the rectangles in the school." Most of the shapes are clear, though "Find the moon . . ." is a bit confusing, since the moon is sometimes a circle; here moon appears to mean a crescent. Although better books on shapes are available, this concept book will find an audience. Recommended for larger collections. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.