Another case of "I recognize this artwork", and a good thing at that! From the writer/illustrator that brought up NOPE! comes another tale of wildlife at its best...including a cameo by two feathered friends we already know...and how just because you're big, furry, and can growl with massive power, you can still use a helping hand. (P.S. look for the "unde" cover...too funny!)

I know what you're thinking...how on earth does this work for Father's Day? Well, for starters...isn't what to eat or not, one of the things that dear old Dad teaches us? Yeah, that's what I thought...also, he's not always the most patient of teachers, nor the most verbal communicator, so I mean really, while you get a dose of the parental from the Girl Scout, you also get a fraction of it from the bear himself! Aside from those parallels, it's FUN-NY while again reminding us that the smallest of small can be the unlikeliest of "heroes", and we can each learn something from one another.


**copy received for review ( )

The author of Nope! Returns with another laugh-out-loud adventure, featuring a hapless bear and bossy camper. Released into the woods, a zoo bear yawns and scratches, little knowing what is in store for him. Meanwhile, Gertie, a small blonde dressed in generic scout clothes, is out watching birds and making bad jokes. Then Gertie sees the bear…

He’s trying to eat a rock.

Clearly, there is something wrong.

Loudly and enthusiastically (with a few bad jokes) Gertie sets out on her new task, looking forward to earning her Wildlife Buddy Merit Badge. Unfortunately, this bear is really clueless! Even Gertie can’t help him! Or can she? It will take a lot of understanding and some compromise on both sides before they find something for the bear to eat.

Cartoon panels follow the goofy storytline, with plenty of disgusted, helpless, and annoyed expressions on the faces of both bear and Gertie as they try to negotiate the woods.

Verdict: A funny story that will click with older preschoolers and younger elementary students, especially if they’re learning about what bears eat.

ISBN: 9781101997291; Published 2018 by Viking/Penguin; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library