Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, my friends!
Today is the first day of summer…and what could be a more perfect selection for our picture book review? Here’s a story about bears and summer and…well, you’ll find out. Plus, to celebrate the summer solstice and the launch of this adorable book (July 1, 2019), the author, the lovely Lydia Lukidis, is offering a Picture Book Manuscript Critique as a giveaway! What a fabulous prize!
NO BEARS ALLOWED
Written by Lydia Lukidis
Illustrated by Tara J. Hannon
Published by Blue Whale Press (2019)
Ages: 4-7
Themes: Overcoming fears, friendship
Synopsis: From Amazon:
“Rabbit is afraid of many things, but most of all he’s afraid of gigantic, monstery, BEARS! The very nervous Rabbit is soon confronted by his worst fear who appears to be far more interested in making new friends than causing Rabbit any real harm. Despite his apprehension, Rabbit agrees to join his jovial new acquaintance for dinner, but wait a minute . . . is Bear planning to “have” Rabbit for dinner? In this tender story about a very nervous rabbit and a lovable bear, Rabbit discovers that things aren’t always as scary as they seem, and sometimes you may just have more in common with others than you think.”
“Tara J. Hannon’s whimsical, fun, colorful drawings enhance a fine picture book story highly recommended for either independent pursuit by ages 4-7, or read-aloud pleasure.” — D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“This adventure offers an effective brain exercise in graphic storytelling for young readers. . .” — Kirkus Reviews
Why I love this book:
- Love the refrain about the pointy teeth and sharp claws
- Love the humor
- Love the simple message of friendship helping to conquer fears
- Bold, bright kid-friendly illustrations will have children turning the pages
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Photo courtesy: https://www.craftymorning.com/paper-bag-bear-puppet-kids-make/
I think you all know how much I love paper bag crafts…inexpensive and so easy for the little ones to work with. For detailed instructions: https://www.craftymorning.com/paper-bag-bear-puppet-kids-make/
For more information about this talented author, please visit: http://lydialukidis.com/
And remember, Lydia is giving away a picture book critique…which is AWESOME! Just leave a comment below…and don’t forget the best way to let our favorite authors know how much we love their books is to: buy their books, review their books on Amazon, Goodreads, and other review sites, tell friends about the books, and ask our libraries to purchase copies for their collections.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Thank you Vivian for showcasing No Bears Allowed. Love the characters Rabbit and Bear. Can’t wait to get my hands on Lydia’s book.
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This book looks adorable. Congrats, Lydia. Thank you, Vivian!
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Thanks for the review, Vivian. “No Bears Allowed” sounds like a fun friendship book!
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Looking forward to reading this fun book!
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Looking forward to reading this!
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Sounds like a perfect read with little ones this summer!
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This book looks like such a fun read! I love the idea that Rabbit thinks Bear might be planning to “have” him for dinner!
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Haha that’s what grabbed me too! Love this idea and Tara’s art is so amazing, I bet it makes it even better! Thanks Vivian for the great book highlight and Lydia, thanks for an awesome book!
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NO BEARS ALLOWED looks adorable! I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks, Vivian. And congratulations to Lydia and Tara!!
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I am so happy to see Rabbit and Bear EVERYWHERE. Best of luck to them (and Lydia) on their journey! Thanks for this wonderful forum, Vivian!
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Aw, thanks 🙂
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This looks adorable and I love Tara Hannon’s illustrations! Congratulations to Lydia and Tara!
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I can’t wait for this book’s release! Many children will relate to the fear Rabbit feels.
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Ohhh. This book sounds fabulous. Thanks for sharing the lovely review.
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I can’t even say how often kids avoid making friends with someone because of their preconceived ideas about them. I have a feeling Rabbit and Bear are going to be best buds in this story of friendship.
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Very cute! I look forward to reading this book! Books about friendship are needed very much. Congratulations!
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Thanks Angie! Nice to see you here 🙂
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This looks like it would be a great mentor text for a manuscript I have with a worried character. Good luck with your launch!
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Kids love funny books, and I hope yours finds its way into their hands.
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Can’t wait to read! Looks adorable. Congrats, Lydia!
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Such a powerful, important message for kids to learn! I’ll be sure to check it out–thanks for sharing, Vivian! And thanks for writing, Lydia!
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A book that shows “Friendship” in all shapes and sizes is important for all of us to grasp. Thank you for sharing. I know my grandsons will love this one–they are infatuated with rabbits and bears.
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Thanks for the lovely post, Vivian! And thank-you all for stopping by 🙂
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It was my pleasure to host you and your new book, Lydia!
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