A young girl spends an evening pretending to be a bear in this story with rich, lyrical language. The wonderful illustrations feature two visual narratives: the child’s imaginative play, which she sustains as she interacts with her family, eats dinner, takes a bath, and gets ready for and goes to bed; and spot illustrations of a bear, whose behavior echoes the child’s play. The story puts young listeners in the moment with the fictional child, using present-tense verbs to create a sense of immediacy. Shifting rhythms, rhyme, alliteration, and marvelous word choice create a playful and enchanting narrative. This book will have special resonance for some: the young girl’s heritage is Asian, while her family is white. (Ages 3–6)

"You're a gruff bear with fleas. A grump with a hump between your shoulders.
"
So begins Mavis Jukes's playful story of a young girl who wanders the house, imagining herself as a bear with lots to do: sniff for owl in the skies, go for a dip, and finally lumber to a hidden lair for slumber.
Gorgeously illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, this is a sublime picture book about imagination with lush language that begs to be read aloud.