Tacos

July 15, 2023
Baby Bear travels to Arizona with Papa Bear and discovers...tacos. Papa Bear tells his family they can come on his business trip, but Mama Bear can't go because she's busy with a library book sale. Baby Bear worries about myriad things she usually manages, but Papa Bear assures him he'll take care of everything. Readers may raise an eyebrow at Baby Bear's perception of his father's ineptitude, but all goes well--mercifully without hackneyed Mr. Mom mishaps. The duo enjoy their flight, swim in the hotel pool, explore "the colorful streets," and order tacos at a restaurant, but while the bright cartoon illustrations will feel familiar to those who know Asch's work, they do little to expand on the staid text. The fact that these are Baby Bear's first tacos may also leave readers wondering how the anthropomorphic cub hasn't encountered such a ubiquitous food. Indeed, the depiction of Arizona makes it seem like a strange and unfamiliar locale, belying the diversity of the United States and the Latine presence throughout the country. Also potentially confusing is the lack of attention to Papa Bear's business on this trip and what Baby Bear does during Papa's work time. The pair's return home is happy once Papa Bear assures Baby Bear that they can make and eat tacos there, too. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Rather bland, especially given the titular food's customary spice. (Picture book. 3-5)

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August 1, 2023

PreS-K-Papa Bear finds out he is being sent to Arizona for a work trip and brings Baby Bear along with him. At first, Baby Bear is unsure about being so far from home, especially without Mama. But once they arrive, he finds that traveling and experiencing new things is much more fun than he expected. They swim in the hotel pool and explore the bustling town together. For dinner, Papa and Baby Bear go to a Mexican restaurant. Baby Bear has never eaten Mexican food before and wants to order pizza. Papa encourages him to try something new and orders tacos for them both. Baby Bear loves the tacos and orders them at every restaurant for the rest of the trip. Once they arrive back home, Baby Bear is thrilled to learn that he can have tacos at home, too! Asch's vibrant illustrations are easily recognizable and engaging, and this tale will be relatable to young readers and parents who are struggling with picky eaters. Papa Bear acknowledges Baby Bear's anxiety while also encouraging him to branch out and have new experiences. VERDICT Although tacos are an extremely familiar menu item today, this is still a great story hour read from a longtime favorite and a good way to explore the topic of traveling and trying new foods.-Jillian Girardeau

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 When Papa Bear takes Baby Bear on a trip to Arizona, the little fellow is unsure about leaving his familiar home, his bed, and his mother. Will Papa read him stories at bedtime? Does Papa know his favorite foods and his favorite type of Band-Aid? After airplane and taxi rides, they enjoy the hotel pool before going out for dinner. Papa Bear orders tacos and Baby Bear loves them. At every restaurant they visit, he orders tacos. On the trip home, he's sad to be leaving his favorite food behind, but his father reassures him that they can make their own tacos at home. Best known for his Moonbear series, Frank Asch, who died in 2022, wrote and illustrated many picture books that are notable for their simplicity, clarity, and child appeal. Featuring plenty of dialogue, the text reads aloud well, and the illustrations are black line drawings, brightened with areas of color. Baby Bear expresses emotions that will resonate with young children, in this case, those who find travel challenging. A warm, comforting picture book.

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