Bear wakes up after his big sleep. Now in his second year, he remembers honey: “Warm, golden, sweet … spicy, aromatic, sparking with sunlight…” But when he goes in search of honey, he’s disappointed to discover spring is too soon to find it. Soon he’s distracted by other good things: the splatter of rain on his back, the feel of cool river water on his muzzle, the sight of fat clouds in the sky. Eventually, the sight of a bee reminds him: Honey! And it’s finally time. Easygoing, endearing Bear lives fully in each moment. His disappointment, while genuine, is always followed by something wonderful he takes notice of. Terrific word choice contributes to fine pacing that slows down and speeds up depending on Bear’s emotions. Warm, sprightly illustrations done primarily in watercolor are framed in soft black lines and surrounded by white space contributing to the friendly feel of the story. Honor Book, 2019 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 2–5)

This sweet companion to David Ezra Stein's award-winning Leaves celebrates the joy of savoring something you love.

Bear is ravenous when he wakes up from his winter sleep and has one thing on his mind: honey! Alas, it is too soon for honey, so Bear tries hard to be patient. The world around him is waking up, too, and he soon remembers all the other things he loves, like warm grass, berries, and rain. He's almost content, until, one day, he hears a welcome buzzing sound . . . and finally it is time for Bear to delight in the thing he relishes above all others--and it is as warm, golden, sweet, and good as he remembered.