THREE BEARS IN A BOAT by David Soman. New York: Dial Books, 2014. 40p. ISBN 978-0803739932 hc. $17.99   Gr. PreK-1   E PIC

Nothing like the well-known three bears, Theo, Dash, and Charlie are cubs who have broken their mother’s blue seashell and promptly set out on a quest to replace it.  They meet interesting boaters along the way, and resist tempting side trips in order to stay focused on their mission; but they’re unsuccessful in the hunt for the blue seashell. With their moods deflated and large storm clouds moving in, they begin to squabble.  Realizing they must work together in the face of danger, they complete their journey and return safely home where Mama Bear waits for an explanation of their absence.  The three bears, in a true test of their character, confess to their misbehavior and the reason they left home without permission.  If the story isn’t heartwarming enough, the watercolor illustrations are a treat for your eyes.  Kindergarten and first grade readers will get a chuckle from the illustration where the bears swim underwater investigating every possible, yet unlikely, place for a seashell.

Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI