Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Jarvis Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories; written and illus. by Jarvis. Candlewick, 2023 [64p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781536228328 $15.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 1-3 This breezy easy reader follows pals Bird and Bear through several days of quotidian (mis)adventures, giving readers a playful, accessible entry into solo reading. First, Bird's tumble into a flower leaves Bear looking for his feathered friend as he chats with what he assumes is a talking flower; then Bear's poor planning nearly derails a picnic, but his resourcefulness saves the day; a painting project leads to a bit of [End Page 261] (easily solved) jealousy, and the book ends with a sweet cuddle in a blanket making up for a hurtful miscommunication. The narrator's wry voice blends warmth and cheeky humor (especially when breaking the fourth wall), adding an irreverent layer to the otherwise familiar pals-about-town story. There's endless charm to be found in both friends, and neither plays to cast: Bear is forgetful in one story, but on his game in another, and Bird is sweet and serene until she has a right fit about Bear's painting skills. Readers, then, have to infer their friendship dynamics rather than just assume the two are merely opposites playing off each other. Crayon-like textures and dappled colors set against sepia backgrounds create an old-fashioned coziness, while occasional pops of more vivid hues highlight action. Sweet but not saccharine, clever but not precious, Bear and Bird easily earn a place between Lobel's classic friends Frog and Toad and Clanton's loveable duo Narwhal and Jelly. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois