"When Big Bear grew too big for his little boat, he gave it to Little Bear. Now he was building a big boat for himself." When Big Bear's new boat is done, it's just what he wanted-exactly like his little boat, but bigger. Then Beaver says it needs a mast. Otter says it needs a top deck. Blue Heron says it needs a cabin. "Maybe you're right," Big Bear tells them each in turn. He builds a mast, a deck, and a cabin, and now the boat is all wrong. So he makes it right again, and when he puts the boat into the lake, there is Little Bear, with his boat, too. "How nice it is to be us, Big Bear thought. Two brown bears in two fine boats sailing on a blue, blue lake." Eve Bunting's understated story is full of charm and gentle affirmation. Nancy Carpenter's illustrations are equally warm and pleasing. (Ages 3-6)

Big Bear outgrew his little boat, so he is building himself a big boat and can't wait till he's rowing, fishing, and relaxing in it. When his friends start suggesting improvements, Big Bear obligingly follows their advice. To his dismay, his big boat is turning out all wrong. It's because he hasn't followed his own dream, and he knows exactly how to fix it. With all the simplicity, warmth, and wisdom of Little Bear's Little Boat, this book honors an important step in growing up.