You will probably be able to tell instantly by my selection and suggested activities that I am dreaming of spring on this sub-zero day! This book is so fun - I hope you'll enjoy it!
Written & Illustrated By: Julia Sarcone-Roach
Knopf Books For Young Readers, January 2015, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: humor, mischief, story-telling/tall tale, journey, unreliable narrator
Opening: "By now I think you know what happened to your sandwich. But you may not know how it happened. So let me tell you. It all started with the bear."
Brief Synopsis: A bear in search of breakfast falls asleep in the back of a berry truck and ends up in the city. After exploring his surroundings, he ends up in the park... near an unattended sandwich. "Your beautiful and delicious sandwich. All alone." After the sandwich, it's back to the familiar forest for bear. But the story has a twist at the end that's as delicious as the sandwich!
Links To Resources: Facts About Bears; Fun Sandwich Recipes For Kids; 50+ Fun Kids' Picnic Ideas; the narrator in this story is completely unreliable - try making up stories of your own with an unreliable narrator who doesn't give himself away until the very end!
Why I Like This Book: Such a fun story! The bear is so sweet and funny and sympathetic, going along just doing what bears do - eating, sleeping, exploring. Meanwhile, something entirely different is going on. The narrator is just leading you down the primrose path, casual as you please, and it's not until the very end you realize you can't believe a word he says! :) You will have to read the story to find out what REALLY happened to the sandwich :) The art is gorgeous - lush and colorful and filled with fun details... and a clue :)
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Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! And if you live anywhere near me, stay warm! :)
This looks darling - and I LOVE unreliable narrators! Definitely gonna pick this one up. And thanks for the warm vibes - we can definitely use them here. It's -10 without wind chill at the moment :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea of a bear stealing a sandwich... and that might not be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Definitely gonna read this one!
ReplyDeleteWhat a funny story! I love the book cover and illustration. Are you going to leave a sandwich outside unprotected for your bear? I know he lingers nearby.:) Great picture book suggestion on such a cold day! Warms you inside.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book the first time I read it, and what a surprise ending. Perfect for young readers developing a sense of humor and mischief.
ReplyDeleteOk! You've got me going and wondering. Got to get this book. I already have the library cleared out with all the books I have on loan. What is a few more? This one I have to read.
ReplyDeleteStay warm, Susanna! I know it is cold there. Have a cup of HOT cocoa with chocolate chips in it. Will warm you up better than this book. Although this book sounds like spring itself. :)
The bear's longing stare on the cover sold me. Man, the art is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great romp in the park! I'll have to sniff this one out! Thanks Ms Hill!!
ReplyDeleteI'm ready to be lead down a primrose path! Looks great, Susanna! Ps, I'll be MIA the next 3wks, but hope to come back with humdingers!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I love the idea of an unreliable narrator. Does anyone know of any other books that employ this kind of creative mischief?
ReplyDeleteI love the cover art! Must read it just for that alone. :) Happy weekend, Ms. Susanna!
ReplyDeleteInterested in this story. And editor suggested something like this setting for one my manuscripts. Good thing I thought not ... It's already done! Sigh. I hope it warms up for you. I think we will get some snow this weekend. For now, we are enjoying a spring like day. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteLove bears and sandwiches!!! Reminds me of another favourite of mine.......a certain London bear and his marmalade sandwiches?? Love bear books!!!
ReplyDeleteSo clever...makes me want to stop this blogging activity and go and write a picture book draft about a....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Susanna, for always being here with Perfect Picture Book Friday...what an awesome resource for all of us. :)
Oh, what a great face on that bear! Our library has many copies on order, so I'm in the queue for a new copy! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this. I wonder if there's a naughty doggie in the story... I've heard that SOME doggies steal food. Hmmm....
ReplyDeleteLove and licks,
Cupcake
I think Yogi would agree that this book looks cuter (and smarter?) than the average bear book. LOL I've got to get my paws on this one.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a picture book with an unreliable narrator! Mine is a bear book today, too.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so cute. That cover is adorable. I just ordered it from my library and can't wait to read it. Thanks for telling me about it.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover! This book sounds so cute. I will be looking for it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot about this book. It looks like fun and I think we'll all enjoy the twist at the end!
ReplyDeleteJust ordered this from the library, Susanna. You made me so curious! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you will like it, Donna :)
ReplyDeleteIt's very funny, Tiffa :)
ReplyDeleteThe bear is so cute and innocent-looking... :) I hope you like it if you get a chance to read it, Jess!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it, Rosi!
ReplyDeleteI know! It's such a great idea! Can't wait to see what you chose, Joanna!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes you do, Cathy! Because really, I'm not sure how smart this poor bear is! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Cupcake! You've got a sixth sense! You'd better get your mom to read you this one lickety-split! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't he cute, Jilanne?! I hope you enjoy it when you get your turn!
ReplyDeleteIt really is clever, Vivian! I would love to write a PB with an unreliable narrator... but not sure I'm clever enough! :) And you're most welcome, but really PPBF is all about you guys bringing so many awesome books each week!
ReplyDeleteAw! I'm sure this bear would love being compared to that one! :) It's a very cute story with a funny ending - I think you'd like it, Julie!
ReplyDeleteIt is seriously cold in this neck of the woods! We are all heartily tired of it! But I guess technically it's winter so we shouldn't be surprised :) I think Enzo would get a kick out of this one :)
ReplyDeleteThe art is wonderful - so saturated and colorful, and full of fun details! And the end of the story is fun! Happy weekend to you too, T :)
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to know that too, Jamie. I can't think of any off the top of my head. The closest I can come are Jon Klassen's books, and they're not really unreliable narrator, even though there's some misleading going on.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're going somewhere warm, sunny, and filled with fun, Julie! (And I think you would like this book if you get a chance to read it!)
ReplyDeleteYes, it sure is, Rhythm! You'd better prepare yourself for how the story ends, though! :)
ReplyDeleteI know! Isn't it gorgeous? So sun-soaked looking! Which I long for, right about now, when everything has been white and bright or flat and gray for so long!
ReplyDeleteOoh! Hot chocolate! What a great idea, Clar! It just never seems to want to get much above zero here these days, but I think it's you guys getting the snow this time, so stay warm and safe!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you liked it too, Alex! I thought I might enjoy it less once I saw how it ended, but I read it quite a few more times and kept on liking it :)
ReplyDeleteIf I left an unguarded sandwich out for my bear right now, Pat, the coyotes would get it long before he did. He's tucked up in his den and not likely to stir while it continues below zero day after day! But I agree, this book warms you inside! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Sue! You definitely must read it because looks can be deceiving! Circumstantial evidence and all that...! :)
ReplyDeleteSame here with the temps, Joanne! Golly, if it ever gets above 20 we'll all be breaking out our bathing suits! :) I hope you like this if you get a chance to read it! And Jamie above was asking about other PBs with unreliable narrators and I couldn't think of any! Do you know any?
ReplyDeleteCold rainy but with lots of hygge, gemuetlichkeit and fun - if that will do!
ReplyDeleteHmm.... if that means hugs and dessert, then yes, it will do :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I can't think of any off the top of my head - but if I do, I'll certainly let you know. And by the way, I requested this one from my library yesterday - and it's already there waiting for me! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking... And I hope you enjoy the book as much as I do - let me know if you like the ending :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! I like the cover a lot! :D
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely read it, Erik, you will love the ending! :)
ReplyDeleteWell you forced the issue. Now I HAVE to read this one. :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteOh yes you do, Janet! You'll love it :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the bear on the cover and I've been meaning to read this book. It sounds like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't he cute? :) As an artist you will appreciate this book! :)
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