Review - Bears and Boos

Bears and Boos
by Shirley Parenteau
illustrated by David Walker
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

The adorable bears are excited to dress up for Halloween — but are there enough costumes for everyone?

Big Brown Bear and the four little bears can’t wait to dress up for Halloween. Everyone grabs their costumes from the costume box, but — oops! — in the rush, Floppy is knocked on her furry behind, and now there are no costumes left for her! Fuzzy says she’s sorry and offers Floppy a golden gown. Then each of the other bears shares an item with Floppy, and soon she’s dressed like a queen — just in time for the parade! Shirley Parenteau and David Walker combine cheerful read-aloud rhyme and irresistibly charming art in another story for the youngest cubs and their big bears.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Bears and Boos is a Halloween-themed story about five bears who want to dress up. But in the melee, one of the bears misses out and doesn't manage to grab a costume. Luckily, she has kind friends, and they offer up parts of their costumes so she can dress up and join in the fun.

The rhythm of the verse is a bit off in spots, but it isn't too bad overall. The story is simple and sweet. Adorable illustrations of the bears highlight the message of caring and kindness.

Overall, this would be a nice addition to the Halloween shelf. I'd recommend it to very young children, however, due to the simplicity of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5