we've all got stories to tell

Fall is happening and Bear has a story to tell (in the aptly titled, Bear Has a Story To Tell by Philip C. Stead, illus. by Erin E. Stead), but all of the animals are too busy getting ready to hibernate or travel south for the winter to hear Bear's story. So, what's a bear to do? He does what any friend would do, he says goodbye for the winter and helps his friends...but will Bear ever be able to tell his story?

With it's steady pace and soft illustrations this story would make for a great bedtime story; the change of the seasons would make this a great story for a fall or spring too! Philp C. Stead weaves a lovely story and somehow manages to always communiate elements of love and kindess in his characters' simple interactions, i.e. A Home for Bird; A Sick Day for Amos McGee. And Erin E. Stead's illustrations are phenomenal! Her drawings give us soft, gentle characters you just want to pet and hug; her leaves and trees are sentinels of fall, capturing the seasons' color perfectly. I love love love her illustrations!! (A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a favorite!)

I love the book and can't wait to share it with my niece all too soon!
" 'I will miss you, Duck' said Bear. He raised a paw to check the direction of the wind."
--Philip C. Stead, Bear Has a Story to Tell
For more glorious illustrations from the book, click here.

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