Bears Are Best!: The scoop about how we sniff, sneak, snack, and snooze! by Joan Holub, Laurie Keller
ISBN: 0525645330
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

It was difficult to decide if this should be classified as fiction or nonfiction, but there is a lot of factual information about bears so decided on nonfiction. This tongue-in-cheek introduction to the bear family follows a similar design as  I Am the Shark (2021) by the same author and illustrator. Each bear believes it is unique but discovers there are other species. Readers will meet a brown bear, a polar bear, an American black bear, a sloth bear, a spectacled bear, a sun bear, a giant panda, and an Asiatic black bear and learn about their distinguishing physical features, habits and habitats, and favorite foods.  Finally, a bear-masked octopus tries to join the group, which leads to them discussing bears’ many similarities. The author concludes with a summary of the eight species and reminders that bears can be dangerous but are also threatened around the world. Lighthearted illustrations feature cartoon animals with large eyes and makes use of a fair amount of speech bubbles. This book will appeal to ages 5-9 who like information with a dose of comedy.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library