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From Booklist

April 19, 2024
Preschool-Kindergarten Eager to spot a bear along Bear Creek Trail, Bruin delights in natural wonders he and his family encounter along the way. With anticipation mounting, each simple discovery--including pinecones, flowers, and, most thrilling of all, "THE CAVE!"--fuels the curious explorer onward. Flanked by his harried Mama and an energetic, single-toothed toddler, Pip, Bruin finds joy around every curve and returns home "tired but happy and brimming with all sorts of wonderful treasures." While Bruin doesn't spot any bears on their outing, the bears definitely spot him! An adorable secondary story line in the playful and cozy digital illustrations shows an adult and two bear cubs trailing the hikers and collecting items the family loses along the trail. Bruin's periodic sing-song chants lend themselves to cheery read-alouds, and the story's emotional beats, particularly Bruin's anticipation, disappointment, and exuberance, truly shine. An optimistic invitation to attentively explore the great outdoors, great for storytime and lap reads, and a glorious modern companion to Michael Rosen's recitable We're Going on a Bear Hunt, notably featured on Bruin's bookshelf.

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From Kirkus

April 15, 2024
A family takes a walk hoping to see bears but finds other treasures instead. Clad in a bear hoodie, young Bruin is desperate to see a real bear while he, his mother, and his baby sibling, Pip, are exploring the Bear Creek Trail. Along the way, Bruin finds pine cones, flowers, stones, and other bits of nature--but no bears. At least that's what he thinks. Pip notices something that Bruin and Mama don't: a bear and two cubs! The creatures are just a step behind the family on every page, carefully sneaking away objects dropped or accidentally left behind by the humans: Bruin's telescope and Pip's cup, for example. Though the family never actually has a bear encounter, readers will delight in noticing just how close they get to the animals throughout the walk. The illustrations completely sell the story, thanks to the sneaky bears, of course, but also details that adults will appreciate, such as Mama's haggard, tired appearance when she finally gets two sleepy children home. The book celebrates the little pleasures of childhood, such as the joy to be found in a sparkly rock or a prickly pine cone. And preschoolers will love the realization that they know something the characters don't. Mama and Bruin have light tan skin, while Pip has dark brown skin. Recognizes--and creates--a little childhood magic. (Picture book. 3-5)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.