Bear Helps the Forest (Maybe You Help, Too) - by Karen Lynn Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

Baby Bear loves playing in the leaves in the autumn, but after his winter hibernation the piles of leaves are gone, and his mother explains that the forest needs time to do the work of decomposition--but the piles of leaves will return when autumn comes again. Includes author's note on ecology and the importance of leaf decomposition.

Book Synopsis

Bear waits for fall as she sees the forest shift through spring and summer in this charming picture book about how the forest regrows.

Bear loves jumping in leaf piles, but fall playtime ends with winter hibernation. When Bear wakes up she realizes it'll be a while--through spring and summer--till the leaves will fall again. While she waits, she learns about the constant work the forest does to renew her playground--and how she helps. Alongside Bear squishing through springtime mud, chomping on summer dandelions, and stretching in the early fall sun, readers will see how the forest changes with every season.

Review Quotes

A bear cub learns how the forest changes from season to season.

Bear is excited to play in the fallen leaves. But as the weather grows colder, she must crawl into her cozy den with Mama and hibernate. When she wakes up in spring, she is sad to see that the leaves are gone! Where did they go? Mama's calm reply is repeated throughout: "The forest did its work." This story of seasonal change takes a gentle, contemplative look at the forest floor. Williams zooms in on the smallest of helpers ("Bacteria and fungi grew, / while earthworms nibbled and chewed. // Beetles and mites and slugs / and snails munched, too") while also acknowledging the larger ones: deer, squirrels, and, of course, Bear. Everyone works together to help the leaves decompose, producing rich soil that feeds the forest. Deep browns, bright greens, and the saturated golden rays of the sun evoke the distinct earthy aura of nature. Varied vocabulary lifts the text: "Snowmelt ran in rivulets and ruts. / Tree sap began to flow again. // Deer and squirrels and possums squished / and squooshed in springtime muck." A detailed author's note adds more context to the abrupt ending directive: "Maybe you help, too."

A lush, lyrical look at the science of a forest renewed. (Picture book. 3-7)

--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Karen Lynn Williams holds a master's degree in deaf education. She has lived in Africa and in Haiti. Karen had an early dream to be one of the youngest published authors, starting a writing club at ten. She is the author of fourteen books for children.

Andrés Landazábal is an illustrator and art-director based in Colombia. His work has appeared in animated films, TV shows, and print. Andrés's love for drawing and painting was instilled at a young age reading classic illustrated children's books.