Maudie can be both exasperating and delightful—in short, a typical preschool-age child. Bear is the epitome of patience and constancy—the perfect caregiver. In the five often funny, always comforting vignettes that comprise this picture book (The Bike Ride, Home Sweet Home, The Snack, Making Up, Telling Stories), Maudie’s ideas and imaginative play form the foundation of their interactions. Maudie’s capricious, bossy behavior is wonderfully childlike, while Bear’s gentle, soothing nature provides an abundant sense of security. Jan Ormerod’s superb text is paired with marvelous, soft-toned illustrations by Freya Blackwood. The art’s old-fashioned sensibility and appealing details add to the warmth and humor while extending the storytelling: Brown-toned panel inserts on some pages show backstory, and small clues suggest how Bear himself is an extension of Maudie’s imaginings. (Ages 3–6)

Maudie tests love to its limits, and Bear passes the test every time. Maudie's world revolves around Maudie. Bear's world also revolves around Maudie--he is as patient and solid as a rock. Maudie is so confident of Bear's love that she makes demands, throws tantrums, lays down rules and lets Bear do all the work, knowing he will love her unconditionally. And he does ... right to the end.