On a blazingly hot day, a father bear says, “I think a pair of hot bears is probably the hottest thing ever.” His small son suggests they go down to the river to cool off. But the trip is arduous for the small bear, and along the way he makes observations that follow the same pattern of his father’s original statement. “I think a jumping bear is probably the jumpiest thing in the world!” A few mishaps lead to more observations from the baby bear (“a brave bear is the bravest thing,” “a wet bear is the wettest thing”). Finally, they head home, in a satisfyingly poetic resolution: “On the way home, the sun was glowing. The air was glowing … / Even tomorrow was glowing.” Illustrator Emily Hughes aptly matches Taylor’s tone by showing the playfulness and the intimacy of the father–son relationship without getting too sweet. (Ages 3–5)

What is the bravest thing in the world? A brave bear, of course! And who is the best at helping a little bear feel brave? His dad.

It is a hot, hot day. Dad Bear says, “I think a pair of hot bears is probably the hottest thing in the world.” So Little Bear suggests they go to the river to cool down. It's a long way. Little Bear tries to impress his Dad by doing a big jump from one rock to another, but he falls over. When he picks himself up and keeps going, his dad says, “I think a brave bear is probably the bravest thing in the world.” For very young children just beginning to dare to do new things and their supportive and loving parents, this gentle read-aloud just might be the best thing in the world.