“Bear and Roly-Poly” is all about learning to love an adopted sibling. Bear is new big brother to Roly-Poly who happens to be a panda bear. Bear is confused as to why she is different. ‘ Babies come in all colors and sizes,” replied Nora. Through out the story bear is determined to help take care of Roly-Poly and quickly sees that she loves him back. The story ends with Bear pushing his bed next to Roly-Poly’s and him giving her a kiss goodnight. This story has a very subliminal message but will teach kids about parenting and learning to love their siblings. The illustrations are somewhat realistic and go along well with the story. I love this book and think it would be great to have in a classroom! ( )

Bear gets a baby sister.... ok, a huge, frightening monster of a baby sister. My son loved the Bear and Mrs. Duck book so when I found this one with the same characters I was thrilled. And he likes it... sort of - after all, Nora and Bear and Mrs. Duck are all there. But the drawings of Bear's new "baby sister", Roly Poly, which, or who, is a present to Nora from grandma - a sort of weird combination of fantasy and reality - are just frightening, no way around it. At least they're frightening when she opens her mouth. But bear and his sister come to love each other and all's well that ends well. I guess. ( )