Tiny Little Librarian
Picture book sequels
posted Friday, 16 May 2008
I'm not usually a fan of picture book sequels, but the first two were so cute, I'm happy to see more from these two authors. 
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
Don't Worry, Bear by Greg Foley
I was completely, utterly charmed by Thank You, Bear, so it's a bit hard to recapture that initial burst of love in a second book. But this one is still cute - Bear is still loveable as he worries about Caterpillar, who has gone into his cocoon. He promises Bear he'll see him again, but Bear has to check throughout the fall and winter, just to make sure he's okay. And, of course, Caterpillar keeps his promise by turning into Butterfly. The format is the same - very simple artwork, each page has a different background colour, Bear's friend Mouse makes an appearance. As a worrier myself, I could relate to Bear being afraid he'd never see his friend again, so I think this is a lovely book for little and big worriers alike!
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
We had a bunny in Not a Box and we have a pig in this one. Again, a very simple concept with child-like artwork. Pig is questioned repeatedly about what he's doing with that stick. But of course, it's not a stick, it is (among other things) a fishing rod for catching sharks, a paintbrush, a horse and a sword for slaying dragons. Another great look at the power of the imagination. Buy a kid these two books and put them in large cardboard box with a (non-pointy) stick and they'll provide as much entertainment as anything that lights up and buzzes!
Lay it on me (5)