Bear E. Bear by Susan Straight 1995, Hardcover: items on eBay.com

Publisher's Note
When Gaila's baby sister Delphine drops Bear E. Bear into the mud, Mama makes sure he gets nice and clean in the washing machine.

Industry Reviews
Straight's first book for children (she penned the adult novel I Been in Sorrow's Kitchen and Licked Out All the Pots) is sure to strike a chord with any child who's ever had an absolutely indispensable blankie, stuffed animal or other comfort object. When Gaila's baby sister drops Bear E. Bear in the mud, Gaila and her mother team up to make him presentable again before bedtime. Scenes of the clean-up operation Gaila helping pour soap into the washer, keeping vigil by the dryer, etc. are intercut with other glimpses of cozy family life as well as with flashbacks to Bear E. Bear's earlier days (e.g., the time Grandma repaired the bruin's nose). The author's intimate style, perceptive family observations and reassuringly familiar details (``His fur was spiky on top of his head, like my uncle John's hair'') make for a rich mix, though her time shifts may prove slightly confusing to a young audience. Russo's (It Begins with an A) typically upbeat, boldly colored gouache illustrations portray a mixed-race family (happily, there's no fuss or explanation about this in the text). A warm, sympathetic look at a classic childhood experience. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)
Bernstein

PreS-Gr 1 Poor Bear E. Bear! Gaila's baby sister dropped him in the muddy water in the gutter, and he has to be washed. Gaila, the narrator, is very talkative and explains everything we need to know; she is obviously a BIG sister, yet her anxiety for Bear E. Bear is touchingly young. A large, warm, extended biracial family is depicted, and one of the special things about Bear E. Bear as noted by his owner is that when they're both clean, they are the same light brown color. Russo's paintings in bright primary colors and simplified shapes include charming details such as a bear-faced flower vase and a teddy-bear border on Gaila's bath towel. Although the text may seem a bit long for four and five year olds, it captures the authentic speech of this age group, and features a common experience near disaster to a favorite toy that make it great for family sharing. A successful marriage of illustration and text that features an appealing little girl. Rosanne Cerny, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Lopate

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