Review - Noodle Bear

Noodle Bear
by Mark Gravas
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

In a kid-friendly debut from a TV animator, Bear finds fame as a champion eater of his favorite food — but realizes he’s hungry for his old friends.

Bear is so crazy about noodles that when he wakes up from his winter sleep he is already craving them! But his cave is bare, with no noodles to be found. His friends try to distract him with their own treats, but Bear decides it’s time to set off to the big city to seek his fortune as a game-show contestant and a sure fill of his prized food. But what’s the sense of becoming a big TV star (and having all the noodles he can eat) when there’s nobody to share it with?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book's theme of realizing that home and friends are what are truly important is highlighted by fun illustrations in this kid-friendly romp featuring noodles. Lots and lots of noodles.

Bear has spent all winter watching his favourite game show, Noodle Knockout. Now he's hungry for noodles! None of his friends have any, so he sets off for the big city to be a contestant on the show. He does really well and eats lots of noodles. But he soon starts to long for his friends. So he returns home to the forest... with enough noodles for everyone.

The story is very simple (and rather silly), but I think kids might enjoy it. The illustrations are cute. The message is inoffensive, if a little boring.

Overall, this is a decent book. Check it out for the illustrations. And have a look if you're a noodle fan... although, the book might make you hungry!

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

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5