Genre
Picture books for children
Subject
Animal behavior
Bears
Food consumption
Food habits
Hair
Nose
Seasons

This book follows the story of a bear throughout the seasons. He goes from eating acorns to fishing to eating blueberries, and finally into hibernation. The story is poetic and talks about the hairy bear's nose, which is bare. It always comes back to this reference. ( )

what bear do
spanaway library

Alice Shertle and Matt Phelan's very hairy bear brought a smile to my face this morning, as I followed him through four seasons worth of adventures. Shaggy and raggy, this hairy bear doesn't mind getting his head wet, when fishing for salmon, or his snout blue, when munching on blueberries. But when winter comes, and his nose - the only hairless part of his body - is cold, that is something our ursine hero does mind...

Very Hairy Bear is really an adorable little picture-book, with a sweet story, and delightfully humorous illustrations. Matt Phelan does an excellent job capturing his subject's expressions - I simply loved the scene in which bear is ecstatically rubbing his behind on a tree: so funny! - and his somewhat sketchy style perfectly suits the story and character. Recommended to younger children who enjoy humorous animal stories (and illustrations), or to anyone looking for a charming book featuring the four seasons. ( )

A very hairy bear - with a very sweet smile - doesn't mind getting his no-hair nose wet, sticky, stung, or stained. But there's one thing his no-hair nose just can't bear....

It's hard to get a picture book to be cute, sweet, and comforting without being maudlin or twee, but Alice Schertle and Matt Phelan have created a strong story that will be enjoyed by both parents and children over and over again.

This is a sweet and furry story for fall, food, or especially bedtime. The warm and comforting progression of the story and the gentle and giggly illustrations will calm down little wigglers and get them ready to curl up for bed - just like the very hairy bear!

You can see some more of Matt Phelan's work on Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast or on Matt Phelan's website

Verdict: Highly recommended - a great choice for both individual read-alouds and storytimes

ISBN: 978-0152165680; Published September 2007 by Harcourt; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Added to my personal wishlist