The Bear with Sticky Paws Book

Lily doesn't want to eat her breakfast or wash her face or brush her hair until she meets her match in the form of a rambunctious & hungry little bear who arrives on her doorstep. Lily prepares an endless parade of snacks for little bear -- fun & chaos ensue as he puts his sticky paws everywhere. For ages 3-7.

Children's Literature

Lily is being grumpy and contrary. "No!" she shouts to everything from breakfast to getting dressed. Her exasperated mother leaves, and the fantasy begins when a small white bear rings the bell. He says, "yes" to breakfast, demanding ever more from busy Lily. Then, "Oh. No!" with his sticky paws he wants to play everywhere. He demands that Lily deliver his lunch atop the furniture. Then he wants to play dress-up, pulling down curtains and getting into her mother's things. After that, he goes out for a swim in the fountain, and then demands snacks. Again Lily must supply a number of counted items, plus "too many ice-cream treats to count." When tired Lily wants to rest, the bear begins a chorus of "No!" s across three pages. Then he leaves her with the mess. When mom arrives home, a contrite Lily promises to clean up and obey. For after all the counting, all she really wants is: "One lovely Mom, One huge hug, and one big kiss." There's a delightful innocence to the vivacious actions of the pair, shown mostly in sketchy vignettes against the white pages. Tints of color create the madcap scene in mom's room with the bear in crown, fur stole and sunglasses and Lily in a pink tutu over her pajamas. The bear has as much personality as our perky heroine. There is a lesson here for young readers along with lots of counting practice. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz