Baby Bear and his Momma discuss the nature of promises in this gentle, heartwarming picture-book from prolific author/artist David McPhail. From providing him with good things to eat, to listening to the things he tells her, Momma Bear promises Baby Bear many things, emphasizing in the process how important it is to keep one's word. Although she can't promise him that he will always be happy, Momma Bear does promise that she will always love him. Baby Bear, in his turn, promises that he will be good. Most of the time...

A lovely, emotionally resonant book, I Promise is suffused throughout with a feeling of love, and offers young children a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of promises - their power and their limitations. The artwork, done in pen and ink and watercolor, is just beautiful, capturing the playful, loving bond between mother and baby bear, and the beauty of the natural world around them, from waterfall to woods. Recommended to anyone looking for new reassurance stories for young children, as well as to those searching for picture-books about promises, and keeping one's word. ( )

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I PROMISE by David McPhail is a beautifully illustrated picture book featuring a mother bear and her cub.

This charming story follows a bear and her cub as they spend the day exploring the forest. Along the way, the cub learns about the meaning of the word “promise”.

Librarians will find this sweet story has a useful message that can be effectively woven into the primary grade curriculum.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://davidmcphailillustrations.com/.

Published by Little, Brown for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette on March 7, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )