Bear Has a Story to Tell

Based on author Philip C. Stead and illustrator Erin E. Stead's 2012 New York Times bestselling children's picture book, this iconographic-animated adaptation done in wet and dry chalk follows the titular big ol' bear as he wanders along, trying to tell a tale to friends including Mouse, Duck, Frog, and Mole. But the gang is much too busy with gathering goods and hunkering down for the approaching winter, so a yawning Bear joins in helping…although by springtime, it's hard to remember what he was going to say. Featuring music by Ernest Troost, this Cha-Pow!-animated program nicely incorporates autumn colors, simple animation (such as drifting leaves), and sound effects (including chirping birds). Extras include a bonus segment with Erin E. Stead. While not as winsome as the Steads' A Sick Day for Amos McGee (VL-9/12), this 2014 ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Video selection is still recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)