Thankful: Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson



BEAR IS BORED, BORED, BORED. . .
HE MISSES HIS FRIENDS.

It’s chilly outside. Autumn leaves swirl in the cold wind, but the weather is not Bear’s problem. He’s at loose ends and he longs for some company. 

I COULD MAKE A BIG DINNER!

A FEAST I COULD SHARE!
BUT HE LOOKS THROUGH HIS CUPBOARD,
AND HIS CUPBOARD IS BARE.

It’s hard to play the host when Bear's festive board looks to be bare. What is Bear going to do?

But, as always, Bear is surprised by his friends. One by one they stop by with goodies – Mouse comes in with a yummy-looking huckleberry pie, Hare appears with a mess of muffins, and Badger strolls in with his fishing pole, and presents Bear with his catch of fresh fish. Not to be outdone, Mole and Gopher tunnel in with an array of honey and nuts to share.

No sooner has Bear sheepishly said “thanks” to his generous chums when a few feathered friends flutter in – Owl, Wren, and Raven -- bringing fresh pears and some herbs to brew a pot of tea.

Bear is thankful, but still embarrassed that he has nothing to bring to the feast. But Mouse knows just what to say.

“DON’T FRET, DEAR BEAR.
YOU HAVE STORIES TO SHARE.”

AND BEAR SAYS “THANKS!”

Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman have a brand-new Bear story, just in time for our own Thanksgiving feasts. As we all know, a feast with family and friends is always better when everyone contributes their special treats to the table, and in their Bear Says Thanks(Simon & Schuster, 2012), Chapman’s warm autumnal palette and Wilson’s gentle verses will make everyone eager to get out those favorite fall tablecloths and candles, pile up the mini-pumpkins, and decide who brings which specialty dish the feast, ready to gather together to say...Thanks!

"A tender tale of friendship, timed for Thanksgiving," says Kirkus Reviews.