April 20, 2012

Perfect Picture Book Friday - The Bear Went Over The Mountain

Today I am thrilled to be showcasing a truly perfect picture book by one of my favorite author/illustrators!  It's brand new, and if you haven't had a chance to read it yet, rush right out because it's wonderful and you're going to love it :)

The Bear Went Over The Mountain
Written & Illustrated By:  Iza Trapani
Sky Pony Press, April 2012, Fiction

Suitable For:  ages 3-7

Themes/Topics: Animals, Language Fun, Nature, Seasons, 5 Senses

Opening:  "The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain
To see what he could see.
He saw a dragonfly,
A bluebird flitting by,
Three fuzzy rabbits skipping,
Five happy ducklings dipping..."

Brief Synopsis:  The bear goes over the mountain to see what he can see, hear, smell, touch, and taste, and he gets a few surprises while he's at it! :)

Links To Resources:  Classroom Activities, Coloring Page, Maze, Connect-The-Dots, Word Search, Bookmarks.

Why I Like This Book:  This book, like all of Iza Trapani's books, has impeccable, fun-to-read/sing aloud rhyme, a delightful child-friendly story, and gorgeous art that makes you want to crawl right into the pages and live there :)  The bear goes over the mountain and experiences nature through all five of his senses, some in rather unexpected ways.  Children will learn the song quickly because it's a familiar tune, and they will delight in singing along to the bear's adventures.  Perfect for bedtime, story time, preschoolers learning about the 5 senses, rides in the car - another winner from Iza!

Iza was kind enough to visit us here recently, and if you didn't get to see her interview you can read it HERE.

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Now, before we all rush off to read the other PPBs and enjoy our weekends, I have two three other things to tell you:

First, in case you haven't had a chance to check it out, Phyllis visited Clar in Virginia, and Melissa in Australia.  She is currently flying home from England (I wonder if she'll have an accent :)) and arrived in South Korea yesterday which was tomorrow over there at the time :)  She should be arriving at Saba's in Washington today.  And this just in, she has been to see Alison in Georgia!

Second, by overwhelmingly popular demand, editor Erin Molta's visit to our little corner of the blogosphere will be a Q&A, possibly divided into more than one post, so please check the comments from Wednesday's post to see the questions currently on the table, and add any additional questions here when you think of them (or email me :))  There is not yet a set date for this extravaganza, but you can be sure I'll let you know! :)

Finally, on Monday we will have a visit from the fabulous author/illustrator Lisa Thiesing!  Because I know people in high places (that would be me) I have already read her interview, and I can assure you it is really good!!!  So I hope you'll all flock over here first thing Monday morning and show her some much-deserved love! :)

Now then.  PPB bloggers, please add your post-specific link below, and everyone have a super-fantastic fun-filled weekend!!!


50 comments:

  1. Oh great, her book is out. I want this one for my granddaughter! Lovely review and great activities. She is a master at rhyme. It is beautifully illustrated and so colorful. Enjoyed the inteviews with Iza!

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  2. Wonderful book. I think this is the perfect read anytime story. The rhyme is so precious and that cover makes me grin from ear to ear. Great resources, woman! You rock. I gotta get this book. :-)

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  3. Wish I had had this one last week to read to my grandson...I know he would have LOVED it.
    Looking forward to your upcoming posts, Susanna...they are always so packed with info and tips.
    Thanks also for the resources for the book!

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  4. Yes you totally do gotta get this book! You could even get it signed... I know the author :)

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  5. A hearty "Hurray!" to Phyllis! Great PPBF choice Ms. Hill! I like the song and this book might help me learn the words to it in a really fun way! I can't wait to read the Q&A and the interview!
    Erik

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  6. Iza's book is on my list. I am really looking forward to reading it. It sounds adorable. She really does do rhyme right!

    Phyllis is just having the most wonderful tour ever. I have been visiting all the blogs and enviously reading of her world travels.

    You have lots of good stuff in store for us...can't wait. The Q&A questions are getting me excited for the Erin Molta post/s. They ought to be fabulous.

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  7. HOORAY! You know I love all things Iza, so what a wonderfully perfect choice. Those illustrations look darling, and the rhyme divine. What can I say except what I've said before: Iza is a pleasa!

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  8. This sounds like such an adorable book! The bear on the cover looks so happy-go-lucky, just the right kind to go "over the mountain!"

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  9. When I read the opening I was already falling in step with the melody :-) I'll have to check this one out for sure.

    And again, Phyllis is a busy, busy groundhog, going to different places at the same time and all. How does she do it?? :-)

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  10. South Korea! Phyllis is one lucky groundhog. This week's book looks amazing and I love that song. Visiting all five senses is a wonderful exercise for children.
    Love the idea of Erin visiting more often- what a great idea!

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  11. Iza really is amazing with rhyme, and her art is so beautiful! I'm glad you're still enjoying Phyllis's tour - she seems to have lost momentum and interest has waned, so i'm glad you still like it! :) I'm looking forward to Erin's post/s too - I think we're all going to learn some really interesting stuff!!!

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  12. I know! I can't wait to hear what she's up to in South Korea! Iza's book is absolutely beautiful - I highly recommend it! And I'm looking forward to what Erin will have to say!

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  13. What a sweet looking book. I love the ones that you can sing along to.
    Can you add mine Susanna? It's called- Aliens Love underpants http://jennyleeyoung.blogspot.com/2012/04/perfect-picture-book-and-to-z-poetry-l.html

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  14. It's wonderful, Jennifer! Wait until you see the rabbits and duckpins, the butterflies and frogs, the spicy pines and honeysuckle vines, and the glorious autumn leaves - so beautiful!

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  15. It really is a wonderful book, Renee, so get thee to your Amazon cart :)

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  16. You will love Iza's book, Angela. And as for Phyllis, what can I say? She's magic :)

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  17. This book makes me so nostalgic!! It brings me back to elementary school--singing it and also drawing our own pictures for the story.
    Thanks for the trip down memory lane :)

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  18. I'll read the interview with Iza but first want to comment. The book is one I've read and thoroughly enjoyed. It is a winner.

    I'm looking forward to the Q and A with Erin. That, too, should be a winner.

    I loved having Phyllis for a house guest. I don't think I've ever had such a fun and outstanding guest. The pleasure was all mine. :)

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  19. Yay, I'm so glad this book is out and that you've featured it for PPBF. Congratulations Iza! I can't wait to get my hands on it.

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  20. That sounds absolutely delightful, can we all have a trip there too? :) I still haven't thought of a ? hmm...
    Have a lovely weekend!

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  21. I love art that make me want to climb into the pages :) And you have a little time yet to think up a question :) HAGW!!

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  22. You will love it, Julie! It is quintessential Iza :)

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  23. See? Clar agrees with me that this is a PPB! Thanks Clar! Glad you're looking forward to Erin - send questions if you have any! - and SO glad you enjoyed having Phyllis! Thank you for being such a wonderful hostess :)

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  24. Thank you so much, dear Susanna, for this lovely surprise and all your kind words! You are truly wonderful! And so are your readers. Thank you all!

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  25. Oh, I want to get my hands on this bear story so badly! Great PPPF choice, Susanna!

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  26. Well, I do know the author, if you want a signed copy I can put you in touch :)

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  27. It is a lovely book, Jen! And yours has been added AND archived already! How's that for efficiency? :)

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  28. I think your granddaughter will enjoy it - it's so beautiful and fun! I got a signed copy for my granddaughter yesterday :)

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  29. I'll be looking at Iza's other books at our children's library today. Perfect timing, because I visit them every Friday! So, keep the PBs coming, Susanna!

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  30. The story and illustrations of this book you have choosen Susanna are just so delightful. I just love the colouring Iza uses, it really comes alive. Thankyou for posting my link... that was quick... lol.

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  31. Awesome choice for this week, Susanna! I have ordered this one, as Iza is a Sky Pony Press sister and all. Thanks!

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  32. I so love Iza Trapani' books. I can't believe this one hasn't been recommended before!

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  33. This is a cute picture book, Susanna! I especially love the wordplay!

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  34. Oh, you will love Iza's books, Jarm! They are all so charming!

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  35. Thanks for all the enthusiasm, Erik! :)

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  36. It was a matter of timing :) If you're request had come through a minute later I wouldn't have gotten it until now :) So glad you like Iza's book - it's just delightful!

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  37. All of Iza's books are wonderful, Vivian. Maybe you can stockpile some for his next visit :) Glad you're looking forward to the upcoming posts :)

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  38. Right back atcha :) We can form a mutual admiration society :)

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  39. So glad you enjoyed it :) It does take you down memory lane doesn't it? Also that other bear song - "The other day, I met a bear, up in the woods, away up there.." Do you remember that one?

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  40. I know! Isn't that fun? Such talent over there at Sky Pony! :)

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  41. I'm sure it only hasn't been recommended before because it just came out on April 1! But she's got a whole lot of other that could be on the list :)

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  42. Hi Amy! Nice to meet you. I look forward to reading Marathon Mouse too!

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  43. I am just so happy and honored to be featured here! Bear hugs to you Susanna and to all you wonderful readers! You have made my day :-)

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  44. It makes me happy to make your day so knowing I made your day makes my day :)

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  45. That books looks familiar. I think I've actually read it to my kids when they were younger.

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  46. I'm your newest follower. I can't wait until next Friday when I can start doing this on my blog!


    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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  47. YOu might have read someone else's version, but Iza's is brand new - just came out April 1. But it is a popular rhyme/song/story, so other people might have done it.

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  48. Hi Kimberly, and welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by and want to follow and participate in PPBF!!! Your name sounds familiar to me - I will have to find you back :)

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