A review by tashrow
Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu

4.0

This wordless fantasy book will carry children away into a dream-like world filled with luscious foliage and flowers, silly monkeys, huge bubbles and flying dolphins. From the very first pages where the two children are planting watermelon seeds and hat seeds, children will know that something special and even strange is about to happen. The story has no real foundation, drifting along from one lovely notion to the next, lingering and then moving on again.

Unlike some dreamlike story books, there is no point at which there is any sense of danger in the story at all. Readers are held in a magical space, guided by a huge white bear from one fascination to the next. Nyeu's illustrations are very strong and bold, with bright colors and beautiful ideas. One of my favorite sections is where the bear blows leaves into the air and they become sea creatures. Dolphins, octopus, seals, schools of small fish float through the air and eventually up into outer space. Her illustrations exude a childlike simplicity, heightened by a real sense of style.

Recommended for a cuddle with a child who has a great imagination and can "read" this wordless book in their own way. It will not work well with a group because of both its intimate nature and lack of text. Appropriate for ages 3-6.