"Chaucer's First Winter" follows the lovable character of Chaucer as he opposes the typical actions of a bear and stays awake all winter long. This book is one of my favorites because of many reasons.
One reason I enjoy this book is the bilingual aspect. I got this book in a box of Cheerios and was not expecting it to be bilingual. The Spanish words are included on the bottom of each page. It has both languages incorporated completely. I loved finding out that this book was bilingual because it instantly became more meaningful. "Chaucer's First Winter," has nothing to do with the Spanish culture, and yet it included the language. I have previously only read stories that included Spanish because they were about Spanish characters so it made sense to include the language they spoke. This story, however, does not have any characters like that or even hint at the fact there may be Spanish culture inside. I found it incredibly encouraging to come across this book accidentally because it is accepting of other cultures. This book sends the message that stories do not have to be about that culture to include that language. Another language was incorporated simply to include children/readers who speak Spanish.

Another reason I liked this story was the fact that it is modern fantasy but also has realistic qualities. Bear hibernation is something that actually takes place. I liked reading this book because I know what hibernation is so the story made sense despite its fictional traits. I enjoy stories that are realistic yet contain elements of fantasy because they are more meaningful to me. If Chaucer hadn't been able to experience winter because of a made up occurrence, the book wouldn't have stuck out in my mind as a good choice. I enjoy stories that contain aspects of real life, such as hibernation.

The main message of this story is to try new experiences and to not give up a new opportunity because someone tells you that it's not what you're supposed to do. Chaucer seized the chance to do something he had never done before. Previously others had always told him that he shouldn't stay awake because he is a bear, and yet he found a new favorite activity when he followed his heart and tried what he wanted to. ( )

Review: Through the fantasy of the book the reader is able to see into the adventurous life of the little bear. The fantasy allows the reader to see and hear the thoughts of the bear. The event is made to be believable through the realistic life of the bear and the truth of hybernation.

Setting: The setting of the book takes place outside in the forest. Winter is the current season, so it all takes place in the snow.

Media: Water color and colored pencil ( )