Review - Bear Came Along

Bear Came Along
by Richard T. Morris
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Date: 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community from a successful author and illustrator duo!

Once there was a river flowing through a forest. The river didn't know it was capable of adventures until a big bear came along. But adventures aren't any fun by yourself, and so enters Froggy, Turtles, Beaver, Racoons, and Duck.

These very different animals take off downstream, but they didn't know they needed one another until thankfully, the river came along.


This hilarious picture book and heartfelt message celebrates the joy and fun that's in store when you embark together on a ride of a lifetime.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple, cumulative story about a bunch of forest animals and their shared experience on a river. It starts with Bear, who falls into the water and manages to climb onto a broken log. Then Froggy comes along. Soon, there are a whole bunch of critters rafting down the river. They don't really know where they're going, but they're all in it together. Even as they approach the waterfall...

I've read another collaboration by this duo before, the amusing Sheep 101. The illustrations here are in a similar style, with a vaguely retro look that's quite appealing. While I don't think the premise of Bear Came Along is as strong, it's still a lovely idea. We need more books about diverse characters coming together; we're all in this thing called life together, after all.

I'd recommend this one to readers who like stories about animals, as well as those who like a bit of a philosophical bent in their picture books.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5