Friday, December 19, 2014

Book Review:

Three bears in a boat

Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman.


This beautifully illustrated picture book will be read time and time again.  Theo, Dash and Charlie decide to climb up the mantle to get some honey while their Mother is not around.  While in pursuit of the honey their Mother's favorite blue shell falls and shatters.  The bears decide it would be best to find another shell just like their mother's so she won't even miss it.  They set out on their boat on an adventure to find a blue shell.  They encounter other boats with bears but alas no luck.  Finally they meet up with salty old bear and he tells them just where they'll find it.  Each watercolor spread evokes the mood during their adventure.  They pass islands that look like fun, and islands that look pretty scary.  When they finally find the island they hope has the blue shell they are left disappointed.  They venture back and are caught in the midst of a wild thunderstorm on the sea, but just as fast as the storm appeared they are sailing on water as clear as glass.  When they finally make it home they are delighted to find a blue shell just like their Mother's.  Their mother comforts them and reassures them of her love.  However, after a meal they are still not allowed dessert.

Soman's watercolors align so beautifully with the story that any child will immediately relate to the bears' dilemmas.  This picture book will be enjoyed on so many levels.  Each page with its fine detail will be examined and absorbed.  Three Bears in a Boat succeeds in sharing an adventure while also managing to sneak in a lesson on taking responsibility.

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