Bear Has a Story to Tell

The Steads have collaborated again and the result, Bear Has a Story to Tell, is a book well worth owning.  I gave it to my son for his 5th birthday, and it has been loved by everyone in our family.

The story begins with a tired bear: It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy. But first, Bear had a story to tell...  Bear goes from mouse to duck to toad to mole seeking an ear to hear the story he has to tell.  But alas, it is late fall and everyone is busy preparing for winter, so Bear's story has to wait.  The story is quite charming, and I love its circular nature and homage to the story telling process.  

And the illustrations.  Oh, the illustrations.  If you have read any of my posts on Erin Stead's work, you know that I love her style of art.  The detailed simplicity and carefully chosen and used colors create scenes that tell the story and move the seasons from fall to winter to spring.  The Steads have collaborated again to create a picture book where the art and story equal each other.