Bear is bored of "the same green forest" and "the same blue sky," and thinks, "I will find a new home!" Bear visits Bird (her nest is too high), Mole (too stuffy underground), Goat (standing on a cliff is dizzying), and so on, until at last, tired from visiting all his friends, Bear knows exactly where he wants to be...home!

Illustrations: "handmade painterly textures with digitally generated layers" compiled in Photoshop. ( )

Bear discovers that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence in this picture-book exploration of various habitats. Growing bored with his own home one day, our ursine hero sets out to visit his friends, from Octopus to Polar Bear, finding himself in various environments that prove uncomfortable for him. Eventually he decides that he wants some place that is "not too high, not too stuffy, not too steep, not too deep, not too cold, hot, rainy, or muddy." In short, he wants the place that is just right for him: home...

Although I am not sure that Welcome Home, Bear: A Book of Animal Habitats would actually make that good of an introduction to various habitats and ecosystems - there isn't really anything here about those habitats, save how Bear reacts to them - I did find this books sweet. As an admirer, moreover, of expatriate Korean illustrator Il Sung Na's work, I also enjoyed the multimedia artwork, which depicts Bear's reactions to his animal friends' various homes with humor. Recommended to fellow fans of Na, as well as to young picture-book audiences who enjoy animal stories. ( )

In Welcome Home Bear, the bear wanted to find a new home. He visited lots of animals and tried out different areas, but he didn't like any of them. He finally realizes he loves his old home and it is just right for him.

Pierce County Library (3-5)

The bear in the story wanted to find a new home. He was tired of the same old place. He visited many animals and tried out many different areas, but they all didn't please him. He visited a camel, but he was too hot there. He also visits a octopus, but it was deep in the water. The story is just like that. He finally realizes he loves his old home and it is just right for him. This story can teach children be happy what you have and that different doesn't always mean better. ( )

A good read aloud children's book. showing the good things about your own home, even though there may be better things out there. great for second graders