Don't Feed the Bear

“In this children’s picture book, a park ranger and a bear each warn tourists not to feed the other. Portly, brown Bear lives in a park and loves campers’ leftovers. So when he discovers the park ranger installing a sign that reads ‘DON’T FEED THE BEAR,’ he’s displeased and puts up his own: ‘DON’T FEED THE RANGER.’ As a result, campers with pie, ice cream, and soda feed neither one. Bear craftily disguises himself in a cap and T-shirt that claim that he’s ‘not a bear.’ But it doesn’t work, leading to a ‘war with words’ as bear and ranger repeatedly vandalize each other’s signs with spray paint, markers, and brushes. They finally come to an understanding, however, and revise the signs to encourage visitors to feed them both. Together, they enjoy a delicious picnic of campers’ ‘goodies.’ In her debut, Doherty tells an amusing story with good sound effects (‘SMACKITY! SMACK! WHOMP!’) and vivid, compressed sentences perfect for reading aloud. Children will certainly appreciate the characters’ love of treats. Wass’ (Monster Knows Shapes, 2014, etc.) stylish, retro-feeling illustrations hilariously capture action and character, such as Bear’s angry yet lovable stomping. . . . Delightfully funny, with much verve and style . . . ” —KirkusReviews.com
“In this children’s picture book, a park ranger and a bear each warn tourists not to feed the other. Portly, brown Bear lives in a park and loves campers’ leftovers. So when he discovers the park ranger installing a sign that reads ‘DON’T FEED THE BEAR,’ he’s displeased and puts up his own: ‘DON’T FEED THE RANGER.’ As a result, campers with pie, ice cream, and soda feed neither one. Bear craftily disguises himself in a cap and T-shirt that claim that he’s ‘not a bear.’ But it doesn’t work, leading to a ‘war with words’ as bear and ranger repeatedly vandalize each other’s signs with spray paint, markers, and brushes. They finally come to an understanding, however, and revise the signs to encourage visitors to feed them both. Together, they enjoy a delicious picnic of campers’ ‘goodies.’ In her debut, Doherty tells an amusing story with good sound effects (‘SMACKITY! SMACK! WHOMP!’) and vivid, compressed sentences perfect for reading aloud. Children will certainly appreciate the characters’ love of treats. Wass’ (Monster Knows Shapes, 2014, etc.) stylish, retro-feeling illustrations hilariously capture action and character, such as Bear’s angry yet lovable stomping. . . . Delightfully funny, with much verve and style . . . ” —KirkusReviews.com