Bear Wants More

Based on author/narrator Karma Wilson's 2003 children's picture book, illustrated by Jane Chapman, the iconographic-animated Bear Wants More tells a rhyming tale of one hungry bear's quest for food after a long winter's hibernation. Bear's friends—mouse, hare, badger—pitch in, leading Bear to berries, clover, and fish, respectively, but Bear wants more. Meanwhile, back at the ursine crib, gopher, mole, wren, and raven are—unbeknownst to Bear—busy making honey cakes. When Bear and his woodland creature friends return, the former—in a nod, one supposes, to A.A. Milne's beloved Pooh bear—gets stuck in the entrance, but all's well that ends well as Bear ultimately winds up with a full belly (though his pals are still a little hungry). A solid follow-up to Bear Snores On (VL-1/06), Bear Wants More, which features bright acrylic illustrations and a cute score from John Jennings, is recommended. Aud: K, P. (R. Pitman)